Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Company F, 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, Marine Raiders, U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

July 17th, 1943

Citation:
"for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service while Commanding Company F, SECOND Marine Raider Battalion during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, between 10 November 1942 and 4 December 1942. On 14 November, leading a patrol from his company against an enemy base in a narrow defile, Captain Schwerin, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, daringly and skillfully seized the base, destroyed the enemy, and captured a quantity of arms, ammunition, and military documents without loss of a man in his patrol. Again on 30 November, he led his company against a hostile stronghold on the upper Lunga River and, although the Japanese were superior in number, executed a swift surprise attack, catching the enemy unprepared and killing ninety Japanese and capturing a large supply of arms and ammunition. His superb leadership and aggressive fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."