Veteran Finally Receives War Medals

After 65 years of waiting, one local veteran finally received proper acknowledgment for his service to the nation.

Ed Schneider, 87 of Bridgeville, is now able to hold the nine Bronze Star medals he earned for his service in World War II.

In a twist of fate shortly after he left the military in 1946, the St. Louis warehouse that stored his service records burned to the ground. It wasn't until last November that he found the help he needed to acquire his honors.

Schneider enlisted in the Army in 1943 and had no idea of the historical relevance his service and efforts would have. He joined the war effort and diligently served through World War II as a crew chief in the 36th Photo Reconnaissance Division. Their responsibility was to photograph the many stages of a mission, including the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.

When Schneider left the Army, he received correspondence that he had earned five Bronze stars with another four pending. He held onto that document throughout the years and later used it to help obtain his medals. Over the passing years, he and others in his division tried repeatedly to get what they had rightfully earned. Each attempt led him into a dead end and kept him empty-handed.

We have gotten together over the years and have been trying off and on to get our medals," Schneider said. "Every time we thought we were close, we'd hit a road block. After so many tries, we just gave up."

Meanwhile, others things in life took on greater roles as Schneider started a family, built a successful construction company, became a contributing member of Bethany Presbyterian Church and participated in numerous civic organizations. 

Then last November, Schneider spoke to students in the Upper St. Chair School District, where his daughter teaches, for a special assembly on Veteran's Day. He shared his stories and many photographs with the students and Congressman Tim Murphy, who was also in attendance. An aide to Murphy approached Schneider after the program and offered to help him to acquire his unfulfilled medals.

Because of the documentation Schneider kept, they had a starting point and an officer's name to inquire to the Department of Defense. Soon, they were able to track down duplicates of his records at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and confirmed his eligibility for the 9 Bronze Stars.

Schneider finally received those medals last month.

"Congressman Murphy took a personal interest in this matter as soon as it was brought to his attention, and was humbled and honored to be able to help Mr. Schneider finally get the recognition he so richly deserves,” a spokesman from Murphy’s office said.