Vincent Edward Schumacher

Captain, U. S. Navy

Silver Star

After his plywood PT Boat was destroyed by the Japanese when the enemy took control of the Philippines, Ensign Richardson and a dozen Americans set out in a native outrigger to sail the 1,300 miles to Australia.
The boat sunk in a storm. Richardson swam for 24 hours to the town of Cantilan on the island of Mindanao.
For three years, he worked in the guerrilla movement based on Leyte, becoming Chief of Staff to its leader, Colonel Ruperto Kangleon.

GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Order No. 43 (March 15, 1942)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Vincent Edward Schumacher (NSN: 0-81341), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving with Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron THREE (MTB-3), from 11 to 13 March 1942, in the Philippine Islands during a extraordinary action in a retrograde maneuver involving General Douglas MacArthur.
With marked skill and coolness, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Schumacher performed this mission of major strategic importance and of a most hazardous nature in the face of greatly superior enemy forces. His conduct throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Forces of the United States.

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 04577 (September 3, 1944)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Vincent Edward Schumacher (NSN: 0-81341), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in the performance of his duties as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. THRESHER (SS-200), during the ELEVENTH War Patrol of that Submarine in waters, the control of which is now being contested, from 30 December 1943 to 18 February 1944.
His intelligent handling of the attack problems, courage and outstanding ability were materially responsible for his ship's success in sinking five enemy ships totaling 26,243 tons and damaging an additional enemy ship of 9,800 tons. His inspiring leadership and efficiency during periods of enemy counter-attacks, greatly assisted his ship in conducting successful evasive tactics. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

GENERAL ORDERS:
All Hands (November 1968)
CITATION:
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Captain Vincent Edward Schumacher (NSN: 0-81341), United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 31 July 1966 to 1 November 1967, as Chief of Staff for Commander U.S. Naval Forces, Vietnam, and concurrently for Chief, Naval Advisory Group, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam.