Heroes: Christian F. Schilt, US Marine Corps

Christian F. Schilt … 1895-1987, first Marine Corps aviator to receive Medal of Honor for using his biplane to evacuate wounded Marines under fire in Nicaragua. Schilt served active duty in World War I, World War II, Haitian and Nicaraguan campaigns, and Korean War; retiring after almost 40 years of active service. Promoted to rank of four-star general at retirement. Born in Illinois he enlisted in the US Marine Corps on 23 June 1917.

General Schilt also received the Distinguished Service Medal for his actions in Korea War. 

Medal of Honor Citation:

During the progress of an insurrection at Quilali, Nicaragua, 6, 7, and 8 January 1928, 1st Lt. Schilt, then a member of a marine expedition which had suffered severe losses in killed and wounded, volunteered under almost impossible conditions to evacuate the wounded by air and transport a relief commanding officer to assume charge of a very serious situation. 1st Lt Schilt bravely undertook this dangerous and important task and, by taking off a total of 10 times in the rough, rolling street of a partially burning village, under hostile infantry fire on each occasion, succeeded in accomplishing his mission, thereby actually saving 3 lives and bringing supplies and aid to others in desperate need.