THE WALL OF FACES

Say not in grief he is no more, but live in thankfulness that he was.

Dear PO2C John Schon, Thank you for your service as a Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class with the 5th Marines, Semper Fi. Thank you for the lives you saved. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Merry Christmas. Time moves quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Semper Fi, Doc...you did good

May this remembrance find you in the eternal Holy Kingdom of our Lord.

John Edward Schon
Date of death: Killed in Action
Home of record: Portland Oregon
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Hospital Corpsman Second Class John Edward Schon (NSN: 9149203), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company L, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, on 26 May 1967, during Operation UNION II against North Vietnamese Army forces in the Republic of Vietnam. When the Marines of Company L were landed by helicopters to secure the landing zone for the remainder of the battalion, they were immediately subjected to an intense barrage of automatic weapons, recoilless rifle, and mortar fire from a well-entrenched enemy force, estimated to be of battalion size. The withering fire caused many casualties, and scarcity of cover made it extremely hazardous to extract the wounded Marines from the exposed positions in which they lay. Disregarding his own safety, Petty Officer Schon repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy barrage in order to render vital first aid to the injured Marines and to assist with their evacuation for further medical treatment. He courageously continued his actions until him, himself, was mortally wounded. By his selfless efforts and inspiring devotion to duty, Petty Officer Schon was responsible for saving the lives of many Marines. His heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Action Date: 26-May-67

Service: Navy

Rank: Hospital Corpsman Second Class

Company: Corpsman (Attached), Company L

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 5th Marines

Division: 1st Marine Division