SEALS Schwartz, Paul Theodore

John Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
Schwartz
  • FORENAME
Paul Theodore
  • UNIT
U.S.N. Seal Team 2
  • RANK
Chief Hospitalman
  • NUMBER
4752570
  • AWARD
Navy and Marine Corps Medal
  • PLACE
Gulf of Thailand 1969
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

CITATION:

Navy and Marine Corps Medal : The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Chief Hospitalman Paul Theodore Schwartz (NSN: 4752570), United States Navy, for heroism while serving with SEAL Team Detachment ALFA, Seventh Platoon in the Republic of Vietnam. During the late morning hours of 3 April 1969, Chief Petty Officer Schwartz was a passenger with a U.S. Navy SEAL and a Vietnamese LDNN in a U.S. Army UH-1D helicopter which crashed into the Gulf of Thailand after lifting off the helicopter pad at the MACV compound in Ha Tien. When the craft hit the water, Chief Petty Officer Schwartz was knocked into unconsciousness for a short period of time. Upon recovering from the initial shock of the crash, he released himself from his seat harness and began rescue operations. He assisted the gunner who was trapped in his harness in freeing himself and then aided him to the surface and to the safety of a nearby sampan. He returned to the scene of the crash, and working in conjunction with the second SEAL, commended rescue operations on the trapped co-pilot. He dived down to the side door, pried it open, and cleared the area of obstacles while the other SEAL freed the copilot from his harness. Then they aided the crewmen to the surface and the safety of a waiting rescue boat. Chief Petty Officer Schwartz's quick reactions and professionalism at a time of extreme danger resulted in saving one life and assisting a fellowman. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

WEB LINKS:

https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/306233
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