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<em>Henry "Hank" John Schroeder III </em>was a third generation West Pointer. He was born at Ft. McPherson, GA, the first child of Henry and Anne Marie Schroeder. Brother Tom joined the family eight years later. As the son of a career Army officer, Hank grew up on Army posts both here and overseas. While in Belgium, Hank developed his love for the French and German languages. He also had a great interest in model railroading, and many of us remember the engineer hat he often wore around the barracks.</p>
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He graduated in the top ten percent of his class from Washington-Lee High School, where he was a member of the German Honor Society, Tikos Math Honor Society, National Honor Society, Ski Club, and an Eagle Scout. He also pursued athletics, lettering in crew, playing soccer, and skiing.</p>
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It was during high school that Hank decided he wanted to follow his father (Jun ’43), and grandfather ’17, in the Long Gray Line. Hank received an appointment from Alabama congressman James Martin, who served in the Army with Hank’s father. Hank stated on his Academy personal history sheet, "I entered the United States Military Academy for I believe an education here is the best method to prepare oneself for a military career."</p>
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Hank’s main goals while a cadet were to further the principles of the Academy and to prepare himself for an Army career. He unquestionably achieved these goals. We remember him as our studious, pipe smoking, disciplined classmate, possessed of a quick wit and wry sense of humor, laced with a healthy dose of sarcasm. Often he would be seen in his B-robe, adorned with innumerable patches, puffing his pipe, and providing us with his unique views on the world, West Point, and life in general. Hank was a member of the German Club, the Ski Club, and the Fine Arts Forum. He focused his athletic abilities on intramural soccer, cross country, and skiing. Throughout his cadet career, Hank remained steadfast in his goal of becoming a tanker and, upon graduation, was commissioned in the Armor Branch.</p>
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Hank volunteered for immediate service in VietNam and arrived in July 1970, assigned to the Americal Division as a platoon leader with 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry. Less than 30 days after his arrival, Hank’s unit was conducting patrolling operations near Phuoc Cam when an enemy mine exploded, seriously wounding several of Hank’s troopers. Disregarding his own safety, Hank maneuvered through the minefield and directed the medical evacuation of his wounded comrades. While supervising this operation and directing the evacuation of a damaged vehicle, a second mine detonated, seriously wounding Hank and other members of his unit. Despite his horrific wounds, Hank remained calm and in command, refusing personal medical treatment and evacuation while he ensured his soldiers received attention. Ultimately, a third mine exploded, wounding Hank again. For his courageous actions, Hank received the Silver Star and certain knowledge that he prevented further loss of life that day and demonstrated what sacrifice, dedication, and commitment to others are all about.</p>
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Hank was evacuated to Japan and subsequently learned his fiancee died in an automobile accident two days after he was wounded. He eventually made it to Walter Reed Hospital for two years of painful rehabilitation. Hank impressed and inspired many patients with his courage and determination. Fellow West Pointer H. Norman Schwarzkopf mentioned Hank as a personal inspiration in his book, <em>It Doesn’t Take a Hero.</em> Despite numerous corrective surgeries, his leg wound never fully healed and was something he dealt with the rest of his life. That Schroeder determination and stoicism we remember so well enabled him to keep much of the leg that the doctors had been so eager to remove. As absolute testament to that, before his hospital release and before the doctors cleared him to drive, Hank purchased a midnight blue Jag convertible.</p>
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Hank maintained his focus and commitment to continue his career, refusing to accept a medical discharge. He served another 18 years. He commanded an armor training company at Ft. Knox, attended Naval Postgraduate School for a master’s in ORSA, managed Operational Test and Evaluation at White Sands Missile Range, received an MBA from the University of Texas, attended CGSC, served as Inspector General for FORSCOM, and completed his career in the Pentagon serving in DCSOPS.</p>
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While in the DC area, Hank attended several class picnics and enjoyed tooling around in his convertible, which he maintained in near mint condition. He also participated in race walking events and often visited his family in Albuquerque, where he provided moral support to his brother’s participation in hot air balloon races. Often, Hank accompanied Tom on non-racing flights. Trips to the beach were another favorite pastime for Hank, where he enjoyed watching the colorful sunrises over Bethany Beach. Ever the intellectual, Hank was a frequent visitor to the National Geographic Explorers Hall and spent much time in other literary pursuits.</p>
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Although Hank had planned to remain on active duty, his health declined as a result of his wounds, and he was forced to medically retire in 1987 as a lieutenant colonel. Following retirement, Hank’s health continued to deteriorate, and he succumbed to his wounds four years later.</p>
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Hank Schroeder was a hero and a patriot. He overcame immense physical handicaps, pain, and loss. He had a zest for life and an absolute determination to serve our nation to the best of his ability. He lived our creed of "Duty, Honor, Country" robustly and with determination. Throughout his war-shortened life, Hank was an outstanding representative of our class and a distinguished member of the Long Gray Line. All who knew and loved him miss him, and we are better people for having shared some part of Hank’s life.</p>
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<em>Special thanks to Bob Harper ’69</em></p>