On June 20, 1945, Lou Schott found himself in one of the last firefights of World War II against Imperial Japanese forces.
During the Battle of Okinawa, Schott assumed command of Able Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines after his company commander was seriously wounded by machine gun fire. Tasked with assaulting a hill near the ruins of Shuri Castle, he personally reconnoitered enemy positions and came up with an alternative plan of attack that proved successful.
Nearly 78 years after his actions, Schott, 102, of Marriottsville, was awarded the Silver Star, the U.S. Armed Forces’ third-highest military decoration for valor in combat, during a ceremony May 18 at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7472 in Ellicott City.
“[Schott] says the most memorable day that he had was the day he was commissioned a Marine second lieutenant,” said Dr. Greg Jolissaint, chair of the Howard County Commission for Veterans & Military Families. “But his most defining days were when he led his Marines in combat. He loved being a Marine.”
Schott was unable to attend in person due to an illness, but he watched a live video of the ceremony as his five daughters accepted the award on his behalf. Daughter Patti Turner said a big grin spread across his face when he first heard he would receive the medal.
“It was beyond anything that he really had hoped would happen,” Turner, of Ellicott City, said. “He’s not a guy…
