Paul L. Schwartz
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army

On 5 December 1942, Second Lieutenant Paul L. Schwartz was serving with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division, U.S. Army in the South West Pacific Area. On that day, 2LT Schwartz’s unit was in action against Japanese forces during the Papuan Campaign at Buna, New Guinea, where 2LT Schwartz directed fire against Japanese machine gun and mortar placements and snipers. 2LT Schwartz’s courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

On 21 December 1942, 2LT Schwartz was seriously wounded in action.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Silver Star Medal
Purple Heart
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Pin and Bronze Star
World War II Victory Medal
Presidential Unit Citation
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Paul L. Schwartz, United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 5 December 1942, during the Papuan Campaign at Buna, New Guinea. Second Lieutenant Schwartz's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, South West Pacific Area, General Orders No. 1 (1943)