The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
*SCHOONOVER, DAN D.
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S.
Army, Company A, 13th Engineer Combat Battalion, 7th Infantry Division. Place and date:
Near Sokkogae, Korea, 8 to 10 July 1953. Entered service at: Boise, Idaho. Born:
8 October 1933, Boise, Idaho. G.O. No.: 5, 14 January 1955.
Citation:
Cpl. Schoonover, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage
above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. He was in charge of an
engineer demolition squad attached to an infantry company which was committed to dislodge
the enemy from a vital hill. Realizing that the heavy fighting and intense enemy fire made
it impossible to carry out his mission, he voluntarily employed his unit as a rifle squad
and, forging up the steep barren slope, participated in the assault on hostile positions.
When an artillery round exploded on the roof of an enemy bunker, he courageously ran
forward and leaped into the position, killing 1 hostile infantryman and taking another
prisoner. Later in the action, when friendly forces were pinned down by vicious fire from
another enemy bunker, he dashed through the hail of fire, hurled grenades in the nearest
aperture, then ran to the doorway and emptied his pistol, killing the remainder of the
enemy. His brave action neutralized the position and enabled friendly troops to continue
their advance to the crest of the hill. When the enemy counterattacked he constantly
exposed himself to the heavy bombardment to direct the fire of his men and to call in an
effective artillery barrage on hostile forces. Although the company was relieved early the
following morning, he voluntarily remained in the area, manned a machinegun for several
hours, and subsequently joined another assault on enemy emplacements. When last seen he
was operating an automatic rifle with devastating effect until mortally wounded by
artillery fire. Cpl. Schoonover's heroic leadership during 2 days of heavy fighting,
superb personal bravery, and willing self-sacrifice inspired his comrades and saved many
lives, reflecting lasting glory upon himself and upholding the honored traditions of the
military service.
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