- December 11, 2024
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Branch of Military: U.S. Navy and U.S. Army
Dates of Service: Navy 1950-1953, Army 1955-1972
Rank/Occupation: Major/Infantryman
Hometown: Pittsburg, Pennsylvania
Ronald Schmucker was a sailor before he was a soldier. He enlisted in the Navy in 1950 at the age of 17 and served three years. In 1955, he enlisted in the Army and soon, due to his exemplary leadership skills, was selected for a commission and became a second lieutenant in 1959. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he served in 1969 with the First Infantry Division, the Big Red One as an advisor to the South Vietnamese Army. Schmucker’s other assignments took him to Germany, Greece and Turkey. His many awards and decorations include the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Bronze Star Medal for Valor. Schmucker and his late wife of 63 years, Bea Schmucker, moved to Palm Coast in 1972. He is a charter member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 8696, and a past commander, 1979-1980. He was awarded the distinction as an all-state post commander by the Department of Florida, Veterans of Foreign Wars. Schmucker is also a charter member of the Flagler Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America. Another interesting fact is that the Palm Coast Historical Society credits Schmucker as the longest living resident of Palm Coast.
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