Albert E. Schwab

Private First Class Albert Earnest Schwab was a United States Marine who was posthumously awarded the United States' highest military honor — the Medal of Honor — for his heroic actions during the Battle of Okinawa. On May 7, 1945, just five days short of completing one year of Marine Corps service, Schwab singlehandedly destroyed two important Japanese machine gun positions during a critical stage of the battle.

His extreme valor allowed his pinned-down unit to advance against heavy enemy resistance. During these actions, he sacrificed his life to ensure the success of his comrades. For his conspicuous gallantry, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor and the Purple Heart.

In the years following his sacrifice, Schwab has been widely honored. On October 3, 1959, a Marine camp constructed on Okinawa was named Camp Schwab in his honor. Additionally, an American Legion Post in California, a Marine Corps League detachment in Tulsa, and a dedicated exhibit and statue at the Tulsa International Airport serve to preserve his legacy.