NEW ALBANY —
The medals only tell part of the story of Carl “Mo” Schindler’s two years and 10 months he spent inside a tank during World War II.
There are three purple hearts, five combat medals and citations from Belgium and Luxembourg.
But the medals only tell a few of the stories. The rest are stored away in Schindler’s heart and soul, never to be forgotten.
“He talks about them in his sleep,” said his wife of 65 years, Ginnie.
“When you get ready to leave the hospital [after being injured in the war], a psychiatrist talks to you and tells you if you live 50 or 60 years, it will be just as plain to you as it is right now,” he said of the war memories. “And he was right. You try to forget some of it but something will pop up to remind you of it.”
Schindler, 88, recently received another medal for his service during World War II. He was presented with a French Legion of Honor medal by the country of France in October for his efforts to help liberate the country from Nazi rule during WW II.
“Isn’t that the most beautiful thing you ever seen,” Schindler said, looking at the medal.
But 70 years ago, Schindler wasn’t thinking of medals, only survival. He was a gunner for the 735th Tank Battalion Company C, which was led across Europe by Gen. George S. Patton, who Schindler refers to as the “greatest man that ever lived.”
Schindler fought in five campaigns in Europe including Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe and the Battle of the Bulge. He said the battle at Metz was one of the worst. He was wounded three separate times — in the hip, shoulder and left ankle which put him in the hospital for four months.
“The last thing I remember the doctor saying before I was out was ‘he is going to lose that ankle,’” Schindler said.
He didn’t lose it and regained full mobility.
He watched men he fought side-by-side with for months die or suffer severe injuries, including those inside his tank following an explosion.
“I just remember thinking God please don’t let me burn up in here,” he said.
One of his closest friends lost a leg and suffered severe injuries from the explosion. Schindler received shrapnel in the hip and suffered permanent hearing loss.
Schindler — a New Albany native and resident who spent 38 years as a milk man after returning home — went through seven countries during the war, spending six months in France. He said being honored with the medal is an honor for his entire crew.
“Five of us got it, not just me,” he said. “It was a great bunch of men.
Celebrations
Related Photos
-
New Albany resident Carl “Mo” Schindler proudly shows off medals he received during World War II. Schindler was recently presented with the French Legion of Honor medal, which is pinned to his sweater. Staff photo by Chris Morris
Discussion
Honored service: New Albany man receives French Legion of Honor medal
- Celebrations
-
-
Welcome home
-
Local high school graduation dates set
Times and dates for high school graduations
-
Falls foundation director receives 2012 Minta tourism award
The award honors those who, like Minta, have displayed devotion and enthusiasm and who have created momentum in promoting tourism over multiple years with significant contributions to the tourism industry in Clark and Floyd counties of Southern Indiana, the Sunny Side of Louisville.
-
Earth Day encore: Falls of the Ohio event enjoyed by many
Emily Goldstein, a University of Louisville junior, set up a booth to talk to visitors about plastic pollution. She brought a sample of water and grime from the Pacific Ocean’s garbage patch — an area where human refuse that gets dumped into the ocean collects.
-
Super happy, fun day: Apartment leaders host festival, hope to engage youth
-
Little League parade
-
Purdue graduates 48 students in New Albany
-
Historic preservation expert will speak in Jeffersonville
Following the antique appraisal, a chili supper will be available at a cost of $5 per person, which includes drinks and dessert.
-
Earth Day celebration set for Saturday at the Falls
There will be free admission to the Interpretive Center and exhibitors and vendors with kids activities, entertainment, music and food.
-
1si announces award finalists
The finalists were chosen from an independent panel of judges based on criteria of business history, community involvement, response to adversity, newly created opportunities and innovation in products or services.
- More Celebrations Headlines
-
Defense Rests in John Edwards Trial
GM Says It Will Stop Paying for Ads on Facebook
911 Call: Confusion at Home Where Mom Shot Kids
Jury Convicts Steve Powell of Voyeurism Charges
Skechers to Pay $40 Million for Bogus Claims
Coffee May Be Key to Living Longer
Police to Groom of Slain Bride: Turn Yourself In
Laurie Fine: My Life Has Been Destroyed
FTC: Skechers Deceived Consumers With Shoe Ads
FBI Confirms Leak Probe on Al-Qaida Plot
Romney Calls Obama a 'Disappointment'
Honda Unveils New Robotics-powered Scooter
NJ Gov., Mayor Channel Seinfeld in Video Parody
Blood Drive for Woman With Flesh-Eating Disease
AG Race Tops Oregon Primary Interest
Obama Welcomes Beckham, Galaxy to White House
Raw Video: Mladic's Genocide Trial Under Way
Court Records Detail Zimmerman Injuries
Local Community Prepares for G8 Summit
New Guidelines for US Nuclear Plants
