Last Known Activity:
As with many chaplains, when he was young Robert Schwyhart wasn't sure if he would go into the ministry even though he spent much of his time at the church and participating in church activities. It's apparent that he did and he served many years in various churches before joining the Navy.
Besides the many men and women who appreciated the work he did during his career, two significant events stand out. The first is his service aboard the USS Vincennes, which he was on at the time it was attacked by the Japanese. The first strike was from the enemy shells. He was highly involved in various taks, especially the care for the wounded. The second strike was from a Japanese torpedo which damaged the ship enough to cause it to sink. Lieutenant Schwyhart was one of the survivors. The break shown in his duty stations in this profile reflect the time was granted for "survivor's leave".
The other highly noted service in his career is the time he spent in Korea with the 1st Marine Division.
Although these two events stand out, he was highly praised and commended for his work throughout his career. He also gained a lot of recognition from civilian organtions during his civilian career as a Baptist minister.
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Other Comments:
Bronze Star
United States Marine Corps
Headquarters, 1st MArine Division, San Francisco, Calfornia
For meritorious achievement in connection with operations against the enemy while serving as First Marine Division Chaplain, in Korea, during the period 15 September to 2 November 1950. Discharging his responsibilities with great skill and industriousness, Commander Schwyhart contributed immeasurably to the spiritual comfort and morale of the officers and men of the First Marine Division. Displaying a high degree of courage, professional skill and devotion to duty, he on numerous occasions traveled with the front line units, and while subjected to enemy fire adminstering solace and spiritual comfort to the wounded and dying Marines. Commander Schwyhart's display of initiative, excellent judgment and executive ability materially contributed to the spiritual welfare of the Division. He mst effectively supervised and coordinated the assignment, training and work of the chaplains in subordinate units. His advice to the Commanding General in religious and moral actvities of the command was of immeasurable assistance to the success of the Division. Commander Schwyhart's initiative and courageous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Commander Schwyhart is authorized to wear the Combat "V".
Oliver P North
Major General, US Marine Corps
Navy Commendation Medal
For meritorious service from June 1965 to June 1968 in various positions of responsibility in the Chaplain Corps. As Officer in Charge, Chaplains Indoctrination School, Naval Schools Command, Newport, Rhode Island, from June to September 1965, Captain Schwyhart was responsible for the eminently successful revision of the orientation curriculum. Serving as Assistant to the Chief of Chaplains for Plans, on the Staff of the Cheif of Chaplains, from September 1965 to June 1967, Captain Schwyhart, in response to the communications of the Chaplain Corps in the Vietnamese conflict, contributed substantially to the establishment of one of the most comprehensive religious ministries to shore-based combat personnel in the history of naval warfare. He was a key figure in formaulating plans and conducting research which resulted in the widely renowned Navy-Marine Corps Personal Response Program designed to promote cross-cultural communication and understanding in Southeast Asia. From June 1967 to June 1968, Captain Schwyhart served as District Chaplain, Twelfth Naval District Staff Headquarters. His tour of duty was marked by an outstanding series of orientation conferences and tours for civilian clergy of the San Francisco Bay area and seminary students, in addition to large numbers of Navy Chaplains. These conferences and tours have greatly enhanced the civilian community's awareness of the role of the Navy Chaplain. Captain Schwyhart's inspiring leadership, distinctive accomplishment's, and sincere dedication to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
T.H. Moore
Admiral, United States Chief of Naval Operations
Alexander D Goode Award (Four Chaplains Award)
Chaplain Robert M Schwyhart, Division Chaplain, First Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific has been selected by a committee of Chaplains, appointed by the Chief of Navy Chaplains, to receive the Alexander Goode Award. The committee has chosen Chaplain Schwyhart as the Navy Chaplain who best exemplified in his chaplainacy the spirit which motivated the four immortal chaplans who gave their lives on the ill-fated USS Dorchester.
CDR Robert M. Schwyhart, ChC, U.S. Navy has expressed his firm faith in God by exemplfying to his me whom he served, the First Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, great steadfastness in the face of adversity; notable courage when circumstances tended to promote fear and discouragement; a broad charity which manifested itself in service to all his men regardless of their creed, rank, or promotion; the spirit of sacrifice which caused him to give of his strength with compassion and to suffer hardship and danger with equanimity; and faithfulness in his stweardship of the things of God which was consistant with that of the four chaplains in whose memory this award is presented.
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