Leonard J. Schneider
Private First Class, U.S. Army

On 11-12 February 1944, Private First Class Leonard J. Schneider was serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 142nd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, Fifth U.S. Army.

During that time, PFC Schneider’s unit was in action against German forces in the Battle of Monte Cassino at Monte Cassino, Italy. PFC Schneider’s courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Pin and 3 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

Private First Class Leonard J. Schneider (ASN: 35276871), United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 12 February 1944. Private First Class Schneider's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 36th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Fifth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 72 (1944)

Burial

Private First Class Leonard J. Schneider is buried at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial in Nettuno, Città Metropolitana di Roma Capitale, Lazio, Italy, in Plot F, Row 2, Grave 50.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56314166/leonard-j-schneider