For Lois and Debra, the Howard County Veterans and Military Families Monument is a poignant reminder of their father, the late Colonel Louis John Schott, a United States Marine Corps Veteran, and the values he instilled in them.

“My dad fought in World War II and was a part of the greatest generation,” said Debra. Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1920, and the youngest of eight children, Schott graduated from LaSalle University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, joined the Marine Corps and was commissioned an infantry officer in 1943.

Schott was deployed to the Pacific, where he led 44 Marines in the bitter Battle of Peleliu in September 1944. The battle was expected to last four days but stretched to more than two months. After a week and a half of fighting, only ten of the original 44 Marines remained. Then, Schott himself was hit by explosives. He was medically evacuated and earned a Purple Heart. After recovering from his wounds, he was sent back into action.

On June 20, 1945, as a rifle company commander in the Battle of Okinawa, Schott exposed himself to enemy fire when he noticed Japanese forces reinforcing a position on a hill through a surrounding cave system. He jumped into action to help eliminate the cave system and then took the hill.

His actions earned him a Silver Star, the third-highest military combat decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Armed Forces. According to the citation, “He formulated a plan whereby his objective was taken with minimal friendly casualties. By his aggressive initiative and able leadership, 2nd Lt. Schott saved the lives of many of his Marines and Sailors.”

After the war, Schott joined the Marine Corps Reserve, where he served until his retirement at the rank of Colonel. As a civilian he worked as a management analyst for the Social Security Administration and retired in 1977. In his later years, Colonel Schott was very active in Howard County military organizations, including membership in Adams, Hanna, Moore Memorial American Legion Post 156 and VFW Yingling-Ridgely Post 7472 – both in Ellicott City, Maryland.

He and his wife, Regina, had five daughters: Eileen Yaeger, Patricia Turner, Debra Hinds, Lauren Tyler, and Lois Beglan. At the time of his passing, the 102-year-old was considered the oldest ranking U.S. Marine Corps officer.

“The Howard County Veterans and Military Families Monument reminds me that father was a part of history,” says Lois. “It reminds me of the lessons he taught me that are not recognized enough today.”

Debra adds, “It’s so important that we never forget the heroism that these men and women showed during their service. They saved our country and other countries from evil. They were brave young men and women, and our country owes them a debt of gratitude to valiant service members.”

Shared in memory of Colonel Louis John Schott, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran.

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