Schwartz finally awarded Purple Heart

By Christi Bertelson

Burnet Bulletin

Walter Schwartz was determined one way or another to see his younger brother Edward Dale Schwartz receive the Purple Heart service medal for his time in the Korean War.

“He was supposed to have gotten it in 1958, but all his paperwork along with mine got burned up in the building fire,” said Walter, a resident of Burnet.

Dale, who is retired and lives in Lomesa with his wife, lost sight in his left eye during the Korean War from injuries sustained while fighting.

However, the military records showing his service and wounds had been burned in a building fire after 1958.

“We finally were able to get him the other medals in 2007,” said Walter.

“But he still didn’t have his Purple Heart,”

Dale received his Army of Occupation Medal with Japan; National Service Medal; Korean Service Medal with four bronze stars; Combat Infantryman Badge, 1st Award and the United Nations Service Medal on March 5, 2007.

“I wouldn’t have gotten them without my brother,” said Dale in a previous interview.

Dale had joined the United S+tates Army on Jan. 30, 1951, was shipped to the front line of Korea with the 1st Cavalry Division after finishing basic training at Ft. Smith, Arkansas.

Dale spent the next 22 months fighting in Korea until the 45th Division relieved him and his battalion, but not before Dale was wounded.

“I had the opportunity to stay in the Army and receive a promotion to sergeant first class, but after spending three years in, I wanted out,” said Dale.

Dale was honorably discharged from the Army on Jan. 29, 1954 and would have to permanently wear glasses and have no sight in his left eye.

He went on to work for Goodyear for 20 years, then went into medical retirement after that.

“This is something he deserves and I am just glad that we got to be a part of it and help him celebrate receiving it,” said Walter.

Walter set up an elaborate plan at his house in Burnet, on Friday, April 22, fooling his brother to think he was hosting a party for himself so that Dale would attend.

“He has no idea this is all for him,” said Walter, prior to the party.

Walter set up the party at his house, where his daughter-in-law Rita helped set up Red, White and Blue decorations and cooked food.

“I couldn’t have done all this without her,” said Walter about his daughter-in-law.

Walter invited family members to the party with the agreement that they keep the secret and on Friday Dale still had no idea the party was for him.

It was not until Marble Falls VFW Post 10376 officers walked into Walter’s house and explained to Dale that they were there to present him with the Purple Heart that he realized what was actually going on.

“I am 85 and when they pinned that on him, that almost got me,” said Walter, who swelled up with tears along with the rest of the family when the VFW officers pinned the medal to Dale’s chest.

Dale now 84 years old has all his medals from his time and service in the US Army.

“It’s an honor to receive this,” said Dale.

Walter, who had a smile on his face the entire time of the party later said that Dale couldn’t wait to get back to Lomesa and show his coffee buddies that he finally got his Purple Heart.