WWII vet posthumously receives long overdue medals in Monterey

Tech Corporal David Schultz is finally getting the recognition he deserves and has earned, serving our country in World War II.

Tuesday’s ceremony in Monterey is decades too late for Schultz. The combat medic passed away in the 1970s. He now has ten medals from the U.S. Government.

This includes a Bronze Star, for saving a lieutenant during the invasion of Normandy, and a Purple Heart and Oak Leaf Cluster for his scars of war.

“(He) literally fought on nine of the 16 battles, campaign battles, of World War II. (That is) pretty much unheard of,” U.S. Congressman Jimmy Panetta, said.

David Schultz’s son, Arthur, says, like many veterans, he didn’t discuss the war often.

“(He) began every conversation, when he did speak, with ‘war is hell.’ And I would as a question or two. Sometimes I would get an answer. Some of the times I wouldn’t.

It wasn’t until visiting the World War II museum in New Orleans when he learned the full story of his father’s heroism.

“When I saw his discharge papers, I knew what he earned. But if he were alive today, he never would have thought for a moment he was entitled to them,” Arthur Schultz said.

There he learned he can contact his Congressmen, which in this case is Rep. Panetta, to work towards finding the records needed to receive the medals. One of Panetta’s aides was able to track down the honorable discharge proving Schultz’s incredible service.

The family was together in Monterey, Tuesday, including Schultz’s grandson, Dave – who was named for our honored hero.

“There’s a lot to live up to. He’s a great man, sacrificed so much for our country. (I’m) trying my best to live up in the footsteps,” Dave Schultz said.

The family, now with Tech Corporal David Schultz’s memory rightfully pinned to them.

“Very humbling. had to keep myself from breaking up a bit,” Arthur Schultz said.

From Rep. Jimmy Panetta’s office:

David Schultz’s rank was Technician Fifth Grade (abbreviated as T/5 or TEC 5) – a United States Army technician rank during World War II. Those who held this rank were addressed as Corporal. The wearers of the rank were often called “Tech Corporal”.

Congressman Panetta will be presenting the following posthumous medals to the Schultz family:

Bronze Star Medal Purple Heart (with one bronze oak leaf cluster) WWII Victory Medal Set American Defense Service Medal Set European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal Set (with three bronze service stars and one silver service star) Army Good Conduct Medal Set Army Expert Marksmanship Badge Army Rifle Marksman Badge Army Combat Medical Badge Honorable Service Lapel Button, WWII