Christian Frank Schilt | |
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Born | Richland County, Illinois, US | March 19, 1895
Died | January 8, 1987 Norfolk, Virginia, US | (aged 91)
Place of burial | |
Allegiance | United States of America |
Service | United States Marine Corps |
Years of service | 1917–1957 |
Rank | General |
Commands | MCAS Cherry Point 9th Marine Aircraft Wing 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Director of Aviation |
Battles / wars | World War I Banana Wars World War II Korean War |
Awards | Medal of Honor Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross (2) Bronze Star |
Christian Frank Schilt (March 19, 1895 – January 8, 1987) was an American general in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was one of the first Marine Corps aviators and a recipient of the United States highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor. He received the Medal for using his biplane to evacuate wounded Marines under fire in Nicaragua.
In addition to his actions in Nicaragua he saw action in World War I, the Haitian and Nicaraguan campaigns, World War II and the Korean War. He retired after nearly 40 years of active service and was promoted to the rank of four-star general at retirement.