![photo of al schmid in marine uniform with members of the Halata family in bathing suits at Oak Terrace](/wp-content/uploads/al-schmid-halata-family-oak-terrace-1943.webp")
photo courtesy of Suzanne Gilbert
Al Schmid was a United States Marine awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism at the Battle of the Tenaru (Ilu River) during the Guadalcanal campaign in World War II. Credited with killing over 200 Japanese attackers during a night-long assault, he was blinded in action by a grenade blast and endured multiple surgeries and extended rehabilitation upon his return to the U.S.. His life story appeared in the American news magazines of the time, the book Al Schmid, Marine by Roger Butterfield, and the 1945 film Pride of the Marines, in which he was played by American actor John Garfield.
Al’s connection to Horsham in that he worked for several years prior to WWII at Walters Farm on Lower State.Rd. He also became part of the Halata family who lived on Melody Lane further down Lower State.
“He worked down Lower State Road on the Walters Farm in Summers. Mom use to go Roller Skating with him …She met him through one of her brothers with whom he was a close friend….He became like one of the family..and..continued to visit after his War time injury, which caused his blindness”
Native of Philadelphia
Sgt Schmid was born on October 20, 1920 in the Burholme neighborhood of Philadelphia. His parents, Adolph and Marian, had emigrated from Germany in the 1880s. (Wikipedia )
Navy Cross
Private Schmid was part of a 3 person crew manning a .30 caliber machine gu non the Tenaru River facing a Japanese assault at 2AM on August 7, 1942. The main gunner, Pfc John Rivers was killed early in the battle so Al grabbed the gun. Corporal Leroy Diamond continued loading until he was wounded in the arm. Schmid then did both jobs, loading and firing. A grenade exploded in front of him and shrapnel tore into his face and eyes, blinding him. With Diamond directing, though, he continued to fire the gun.(Hemingway ) He was credited with killing 200 enemy soldiers that night. He, Rivers, and Diamond were all awarded the Navy Cross. (Wikipedia )
Book and Movie
Al’s story was turned into a book by Roger Butterfield Al Schmid, Marine and that book was turned into a movie Al Schmid, Pride of the Marine starring John Garfield and released in August 1945.
Post War
Schmid married Ruth Hartkey on April 4, 1943 (shortly before the photo above was taken). He retired from the Marines on December 9, 1944. He was able to regain some sight in one eye but remained blind in the other. He died of cancer on December 1, 1982 and is buried in Arlington Cemetery.(Wikipedia )
Schmid struggled with his injuries but did not want to be pitied, “When I came back I was the most disgusting man you ever saw. I didn”t want to bother to do anything. I could see people looking away from my ugly scars. They wouldn”t want to associate with me.” (Hemingway )
