Walter Schindler
Walter Schindler was a highly decorated career officer in the United States Navy, who ultimately achieved the rank of Vice Admiral. While a Commander during World War II, Schindler received a Navy Cross and a Silver Star for his service aboard the, including during the Battle of the Coral Sea. He was later twice awarded the Legion of Merit.Biography
Schindler was born on December 10, 1897 in New Glarus, Wisconsin, to S. A. Schindler and Anna Schindler. His father became a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly. Schindler graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison in 1917, before attending and graduating from the United States Naval Academy as a member of the Class of 1921.
In 1935 he was ordered to duty with the United States Asiatic Fleet, and on July 1, 1936, assumed his first command.
In May 1942, Schindler flew several missions in the back seat of Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bombers during the Battle of the Coral Sea. On May 7, he rode with future fighter ace Stanley "Swede" Vejtasa during the attack on the carrier Shoho, filming the naval battle unfolding below him. Schindler's footage was later used to develop future strategies for aircraft carrier combat.
On May 8, Commander Schindler flew as gunner to Lieutenant Turner Caldwell in the attack on the carrier Shokaku. During their run, the SBDs were beset by Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero fighters. Schindler fired at any that came within range, claiming one destroyed. Schindler was considered the first U.S. serviceman to shoot down a Zero from the rear seat of a navy dive bomber. His Navy Cross citation reads:
His Silver Star citation reads:
Schindler commanded the Cleveland-class light cruiser following the end of the war. He also served as chief of research for the Navy's Bureau of Ordnance, and chief of the U.S. naval mission in Chile. In the 1950s, he served as commanding officer of the Naval Ordnance Laboratory in White Oak, Maryland, commanded the cruiser division off the coast of Korea, then served as assistant Chief of Naval Operations for first operations and readiness. Starting in 1955, he commanded U.S. naval forces in Germany, before becoming the commandant of the Eighth Naval District, based in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1958.
