Cpl. Dan D. Schoonover (Medal of Honor Recipient)

Memorial Date: September 24, 1973
Location: Field of Honor II (FH2) - Memory Row

The Medal of Honor is the highest award for military valor that can be conferred by the government of the United States. It is personally given by the President for "individual gallantry at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty". Dan Schoonover was the second recipient of the Medal of Honor at Morris Hill Cemetery for his actions on July 8th, 9th and 10th of 1953 in the Korean war.

He was a corporal in the U.S. Army, in charge of an engineer demolition squad attached to a company that was sent to dislodge the enemy from a vital hill. Realizing that the heavy fighting made it impossible to accomplish his mission, he used his unit as a rifle squad and they fought their way up the barren hillside. When an artillery round exploded nearby, he ran forward, killed an enemy soldier and took one prisoner. He later ran through a hail of fire, hurling grenades into the nearest door, ran to the doorway and emptied his pistol, killing the remainder of the enemy. His brave action enabled our troops to continue their advance to the top of the hill. When they counterattacked, he constantly exposed himself to fire in order to direct his men. Even though his company was relieved early the next morning, he voluntarily remained and manned a machine gun for several hours until he himself was mortally wounded. His heroic leadership during two days of heavy fighting, exceptional personal bravery and willing self sacrifice inspired his comrades and saved many lives, reflecting lasting glory upon himself and upholding the honored traditions of the military service.

His body is missing and not recovered, but a memorial plaque was placed by his family in the Field of Honor section of Morris Hill Cemetery.