United States. A Second War Bronze Star Medal And Purple Heart, To Walter George Schacht, United States Army, Wounded During The Battle Of Metz, October 1944

Bronze Star Medal (in bronze, engraved "WALTER G. SCHACHT" on the reverse, measuring 35.8 mm (w) x 35.5 mm (h), original ribbon with brooch pinback, spotting, in its hardshelled case of issue, marked "BRONZE STAR MEDAL" on the lid, scuffing evident on the exterior); and Purple Heart (two-piece construction, in bronze gilt with purple, red, white and green enamels, engraved "WALTER G. SCHACHT" on the reverse, measuring 35 mm (w) x 43 mm (h), original ribbon with brooch pinback, intact enamels, accompanied by a 17.3 mm (w) x 4 mm (h) enameled ribbon bar and a silvered 9.5 mm (w) x 25.3 mm (h) First Lieutenant's rank collar insignia, in its hardshelled case of issue, marked "PURPLE HEART" on the lid, missing its securing tab on the medal bed). Accompanied by copies of his file cards and an enlistment record. Near extremely fine.

Footnote: Walter George Schacht was born on March 12, 1917 in Orchard, Nebraska, the son of Herman Schacht and Rosa Schacht. He graduated from high school in 1934 and attended the Grand Island Business College in Grand Island, Nebraska for two years. He was a resident of Hall County, Nebraska when he enlisted as a Private (17011892) with United States Army on December 7, 1940 at Fort Crook, Nebraska, naming his next-of-kin as his mother, Rosa Schacht of Ewing, Antelope County, Nebraska, stating that he was Single and that his trade was that of Clerk (formerly Student). During his Second World War service in the European theater, Schacht received the Bronze Star Medal for bravery. In October 1944, he was seriously injured in the city of Metz, France, during the Battle of Metz, which was fought between the United States Third Army commanded by Lieutenant General George Patton and the German Army commanded by General Otto von Knobelsdorff. Strong German resistance resulted in heavy casualties for both sides. The city was captured by American forces and hostilities formally ceased on November 22nd, the last of the forts defending Metz surrendering on December 13th. For suffering injures during the battle, Schachtwas awarded the Purple Heart, and was to spend the next three years in various hospitals recovering from his injuries. While at Fort Fitzsimons Hospital in Denver, Colorado, he met a nurse, his future wife, Lorraine Nelsen. They were married in Albert Lea, Minnesota, on Jan. 10, 1948 and would have four sons: Glenn, Gary, Walter H. and Michael. The couple moved to Neligh, Nebraska in 1949 and lived there until 1985. While in Neligh, Schacht worked as an abstractor, real estate broker and appraiser.

Then Nebraska Governor, Jim Exon, appointed him to the State Abstractors Board of Examiners in the 1970's. He also served as city clerk and veteran's service officer for Antelope County, was a member of the Neligh Park and Recreation Board, along with serving on the school board and the Public Library Board. He was active in many state and local organizations, including the Boy Scouts, the American Legion, the Rotary Club, the Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Forty and Eight Veterans Organization, and the Democratic Party. Schacht played a key role in fundraising for several organizations, particularly the Boy Scouts, the American Red Cross, and the Park and Recreation Board. For his leadership efforts, the Boy Scouts awarded him the Silver Beaver for Scouting. He also served as area, district, and post commander for the American Legion. While serving on the school board, he was instrumental in the consolidation of the Neligh and Oakdale schools. He was recognized in Who's Who of Nebraska for his extraordinary service to his community and state. After leaving Neligh, the couple moved to Grand Island, Nebraska, and later, Beatrice, Nebraska. Throughout his life, Schacht committed himself totally to his family, church, community and country. He enjoyed people and was happiest while hunting, fishing, and camping with his family and friends. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran and Grace Lutheran churches in Neligh, Calvary Lutheran Church in Grand Island, and Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Beatrice. Walter George Schacht died at Tabitha Hospice Unit, in Lincoln, Nebraska, on June 14, 2002 and is buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Neligh, Antelope County, Nebraska.