Herbert Emery Schonland
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| Herbert Emery Schonland | |
|---|---|
| September 7, 1900 – November 13, 1984 (aged 84) | |
 Herbert Emery Schonland, Medal of Honor recipient |
|
| Place of birth | Portland, Maine |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Navy |
| Rank | Rear Admiral |
| Unit | USS San Francisco (CA-38) |
| Battles/wars | World War II *Naval Battle of Guadalcanal |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Herbert Emery Schonland (September 7, 1900 – November 13, 1984) was a United States Navy Rear Admiral and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.
Schonland joined the Navy from his birth state of Maine and by November 12, 1943 was serving as a commander on the USS San Francisco (CA-38). On that day, the San Francisco was heavily damaged during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal and began taking on water. Schonland, as the damage control officer, worked through the night to stop the flooding and save the ship.
Schonland's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
For extreme heroism and courage above and beyond the call of duty as damage control officer of the U.S.S. San Francisco in action against greatly superior enemy forces in the battle off Savo Island, 12-13 November 1942. In the same violent night engagement in which all of his superior officers were killed or wounded, Lt. Comdr. Schonland was fighting valiantly to free the San Francisco of large quantities of water flooding the second deck compartments through numerous shell holes caused by enemy fire. Upon being informed that he was commanding officer, he ascertained that the conning of the ship was being efficiently handled, then directed the officer who had taken over that task to continue while he himself resumed the vitally important work of maintaining the stability of the ship. In water waist deep, he carried on his efforts in darkness illuminated only by hand lanterns until water in flooded compartments had been drained or pumped off and watertight integrity had again been restored to the San Francisco. His great personal valor and gallant devotion to duty at great peril to his own life were instrumental in bringing his ship back to port under her own power, saved to fight again in the service of her country.
Schonland reached the rank of rear admiral before leaving the Navy. He died at age 84 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington County, Virginia.
[edit] References
- Herbert Emery Schonland (1900 - 1984). Find a Grave (April 17, 2000). Retrieved on 2007-11-06.
- Medal of Honor Recipients - World War II (M-S). Medal of Honor Citations. U.S. Army Center of Military History (July 16, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-11-06.
