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.
Lifestyles
Related Photos
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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
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