Walter Schley

Walter Schley enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1966 and served for more than 30 years.

On August 31, 1969, after having been in Vietnam for 22 months, Schley had 9 days left before he rotated back to the United States. He was serving with Bravo Company, 7th Motor Transport Battalion, 1st Marine Division at Quang Tri Combat Base in the Republic of Vietnam. At about 10pm, the base came under heavy enemy mortar and rocket attack. Schley was the Headquarters Platoon Sergeant, Administration Chief, Headquarters Driver and 50 caliber machine-gunner on gun trucks during convoys. Upon hearing the incoming fire, Schley organized the men under his command to put on their flak jackets and helmets. “I told them to get into the bunkers (as if they didn't know already to do that). I went up and down the area turning out lights, which the enemy used as aiming points, and I was just turning off one off with the back of my hand an enemy rocket exploded about 15 feet from me. I remember the bright flash then nothing. I woke up seeing stars and realized I was pinned under a locker.” They attack left Schley with shrapnel in my left arm and buttocks, and missing two teeth. Schley was one of 13 wounded Marines and two killed-in-action that resulted from the attack.

Along with the Purple Heart, CW5 Schley was awarded numerous medals and commendations during his service, including two Meritorious Service Medals, the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal with combat “V”, and more. Schley would later go on to serve as a member of the Marine Corps during the Gulf War, Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5) Walter Schley represented his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Missouri’s honoree during the 2023 Purple Heart Patriot Project Mission.