Louis J. Van Schaick | |
---|---|
Governor of Mindoro | |
In office 1908–1912 | |
Governor of Cavite | |
In office October 12, 1905 – 1907 | |
Preceded by | David C. Shanks |
Succeeded by | Leonardo Osorio |
Personal details | |
Born | Louis Joseph Van Schaick July 1, 1875 Cobleskill, New York |
Died | February 14, 1945 Philippines | (aged 69)
Resting place | Manila American Cemetery and Memorial |
Spouse | Nellie Mae Van Schaick |
Relations | John van Schaick Jr. (brother) |
Awards | Medal of Honor Purple Heart |
Military service | |
Allegiance | United States of America |
Branch/service | United States Army |
Years of service | 1899 - 1934 |
Rank | Colonel |
Unit | 4th U.S. Infantry |
Battles/wars | Philippine–American War |
Louis Joseph Van Schaick (July 1, 1875 – February 14, 1945) was an officer in the United States Army and a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions in the Philippine–American War.
Van Schaick was born on July 1, 1875, in Cobleskill, New York, to John Van Schaick and the former Frances Elizabeth Shaver. Among his siblings was John van Schaick Jr.,[1][2] who later married Julia Asenath Romaine (a daughter of Benjamin F. Romaine of New York City).[3]
Van Schaick attended West Point as a member of the 1900 class but left one year before graduating to join the army. While serving in the Philippines, he held the governorships of Cavite (1905–1907) and Mindoro (1908–1912).[4]
He later went on to fight with General John J. Pershing in pursuit of Pancho Villa and (as a lieutenant colonel) was part of the 1st expeditionary force sent to France, again with General Pershing. He was retired for disability in August 1934 with the rank of colonel.
He was later imprisoned during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines and died shortly after his release on February 14, 1945.[5]
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, 4th U.S. Infantry. Place and date: Near Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippine Islands, November 23, 1901. Entered service at: Cobleskill, N.Y. Birth: Cobleskill, N.Y. G.O. No.: 33, 1913. Date of issue: Unknown.
While in pursuit of a band of insurgents was the first of his detachment to emerge from a canyon, and seeing a column of insurgents and fearing they might turn and dispatch his men as they emerged one by one from the canyon, galloped forward and closed with the insurgents, thereby throwing them into confusion until the arrival of others of the detachment.[6]