LTC DONALD BENJAMIN SCHROEDER

DONALD BENJAMIN SCHROEDER

James Frost
jamesfrost@verizon.net
Battalion Commander
Served under him

LTC Schroeder was a mans man. Everything he expected his men to do, he was with them always.. Great leader, highly respected by the men he commanded. He fought for us. May he rest in peace knowing that he is missed and loved.
Dec 9, 2012

Distinguished Service Cross Citation
Distinguished Service Cross Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Donald Benjamin Schroeder (ASN: 0-70498), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 39th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Schroeder distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 August 1968 while elements of his battalion were in heavy contact with a Viet Cong main force battalion near Can Ciuoc. He used his own command and control helicopter, in the midst of heavy enemy fire, to illuminate the landing zone for one element's insertion when a flare ship was forced to leave the battle because of a fuel shortage. After determining that it would be approximately twenty minutes before his men could complete their encirclement of the enemy and that the communists would quickly use a gap between two of his companies as an escape route, Colonel Schroeder ordered his pilot to land. With two other men, he stationed himself in the center of the unguarded area and began firing on the communists, who almost immediately began to probe his position. He successfully prevented their escape for thirty minutes until reinforcements arrived. As the battle progressed the Viet Cong threatened to penetrate another area. Colonel Schroeder unhesitantly moved across two fire-swept rice paddies to the endangered location. With complete disregard for his safety, he began positioning troops to meet the threatened breakout and remained in the front line directing his units' maneuvers until the enemy attempt was repelled. Lieutenant Colonel Schroeder's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4042 (October 31, 1968) Action Date: 18-Aug-68 Service: Army Rank: Lieutenant Colonel Company: Headquarters and Headquarters Company Battalion: 2d Battalion Regiment: 39th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Division: 9th Infantry Division
Feb 13, 2012

Wayne Blessing
Alphabless@aol.com
Served with him in Vietnam
Gainesville Fl
Great Leader
I served with Alpha Company 2nd/39th. I remember the day Col Schroeder took over the Battalion which was headquartered at Rach Kien, Vietnam. You could tell he was a real leader. Col Schroeder would never ask us to do anything he wouldnt do. We were all very sad when we heard the news of his death.
Mar 11, 2010

Ron Lawrence
gatechron@yahoo.com
I read about Col. Schroeder in David Hackworth's book 'Steel My Soldiers Heart'. I just wanted to say you are a hero among heroes. May God wrap His arms around you. *God Bless You*
Jul 21, 2009

Garnet Jenkins
garijen@bresnan.net
Grand Junction Co
~In Tribute To A Fallen Hero ~

In Remembrance of your Sacrifice, with a Multitude of Thanks for your Courage and your Many Years of Service and Dedication to our Country and for Freedom. Rest in Peace, LTC Donald Benjamin Schroeder and know that you will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. I am the sister of a young hero, who also made the Supreme Sacrifice in Vietnam in 1967..... 'FOR WE KNOW THAT IF OUR EARTHLY HOUSE, THIS TENT, IS DESTROYED, WE HAVE A BUILDING FROM GOD, A HOUSE NOT MADE WITH HANDS, ETERNAL IN THE HEAVENS.' ~2 Corinthians 5:1 ~
Oct 5, 2008

Manuel Pino B/2/8th Cav 68-69
mpjr54@msn.com
Fellow Vietnam Army Vet
HHC/2/39th Inf Rgt, 9th Inf Div

The young dead soldiers do not speak.
Nevertheless, they are heard in the still houses:
who has not heard them?
They have a silence that speaks for them at night
and when the clock counts.
They say: We were young. We have died.
Remember us.
They say: We have done what we could
but until it is finished it is not done.
They say: We have given our lives but until it is finished
no one can know what our lives gave.
They say: Our deaths are not ours: they are yours,
they will mean what you make them.
They say: Whether our lives and our deaths were for
peace and a new hope or for nothing we cannot say,
it is you who must say this.
We leave you our deaths. Give them their meaning.
We were young, they say. We have died remember us.
by Archibald MacLeish,
1892-1982, American Poet

Dec 8, 2007

Danny R. McCready
dannymcc@shore.intercom.net
Fellow Soldier
A Herp
I had only been with the 9th Infantry Division (2nd/339th)a few weeks when we received word of the untimely death of Colonel Schroeder. There was much sadness and grief that filled the base camp. May God continue to bless his family and friends.
Wednesday, May 24, 2000

John Miller
boonierat1@aol.com
subordinate
He led by example, never putting his men where he wouldnt go himself. A fair and decent man. A great leader who was loved by his troops.
Thursday, April 06, 2000