Captain Donald Francis Schnably was among the first group of students to attend the brand new Philip Barbour High School in the fall of 1963, and went on to graduate with the Class of 1966. While a student at PB, Don was elected president of the school’s Latin Club (SPQR) and remained very active in community 4-H programs. But it was during the few years at the end of the decade following his graduation that Capt. Schnably brought the greatest honor and recognition to his alma mater and the nation through his courageous service in the United States Army until he was killed in action in Vietnam late in 1969, just days before his scheduled return to the States.
After attending Greenbrier Military Academy, Donald entered the Army on January 15, 1967, receiving basic training at Fort Knox, KY, where he was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He then graduated from the Green Beret Special Forces School at Fort Benning, GA. Before leaving for Vietnam, he was sent to Panama for training at an extended Jungle Warfare School, graduating there with honors. It was during this time of intense activity that Don married his high school sweetheart, Karon Poe.
Captain Schnably left for Southeast Asia on December 6, 1968 as a member of the 5th Special Forces group based in Duc Lap, South Vietnam. He was awarded a Bronze Star for heroism displayed during ground operations against hostile North Vietnamese forces in March of 1969. As a senior advisor to a Strike Force company deep within hostile territory, he led his company in a flanking action against two enemy platoons while rendering first aid to his wounded personnel while under intense fire.
Less than six months later, on the evening of December 1, 1969, Capt. Donald Schnably was killed in action when North Vietnamese forces unleashed a mortar attack on the Duc Lap Special Forces camp. The PBHS graduate had rushed to the area under attack to direct return fire against the suspected enemy positions. As the first mortar tube was set and readied for launching, two incoming mortar rounds hit the area, mortally wounding Captain Schably.
The Green Beret Special Forces hero received many honors for his service and sacrifice. Capt. Schnably was awarded the Silver Star medal for Gallantry in Action, in addition to three Bronze Stars, two for Heroism in Ground Combat and one for Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations. He also received a Purple Heart for wounds received in action, resulting in death.
Other awards bestowed included: the Parachutist Badge, the Combat Infantry Badge, the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. The Republic of Vietnam also awarded him the Vietnam Campaign Medal. It is believed that Captain Donald F. Schnably may be the most highly decorated U.S. soldier to have graduated from Philip Barbour High School. Known as one who loved life and lived it to the fullest, Capt. Schnably served with courage and distinction, earning his many accolades and honors by the age of just 21 years and five months.
After attending Greenbrier Military Academy, Donald entered the Army on January 15, 1967, receiving basic training at Fort Knox, KY, where he was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He then graduated from the Green Beret Special Forces School at Fort Benning, GA. Before leaving for Vietnam, he was sent to Panama for training at an extended Jungle Warfare School, graduating there with honors. It was during this time of intense activity that Don married his high school sweetheart, Karon Poe.
Captain Schnably left for Southeast Asia on December 6, 1968 as a member of the 5th Special Forces group based in Duc Lap, South Vietnam. He was awarded a Bronze Star for heroism displayed during ground operations against hostile North Vietnamese forces in March of 1969. As a senior advisor to a Strike Force company deep within hostile territory, he led his company in a flanking action against two enemy platoons while rendering first aid to his wounded personnel while under intense fire.
Less than six months later, on the evening of December 1, 1969, Capt. Donald Schnably was killed in action when North Vietnamese forces unleashed a mortar attack on the Duc Lap Special Forces camp. The PBHS graduate had rushed to the area under attack to direct return fire against the suspected enemy positions. As the first mortar tube was set and readied for launching, two incoming mortar rounds hit the area, mortally wounding Captain Schably.
The Green Beret Special Forces hero received many honors for his service and sacrifice. Capt. Schnably was awarded the Silver Star medal for Gallantry in Action, in addition to three Bronze Stars, two for Heroism in Ground Combat and one for Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations. He also received a Purple Heart for wounds received in action, resulting in death.
Other awards bestowed included: the Parachutist Badge, the Combat Infantry Badge, the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. The Republic of Vietnam also awarded him the Vietnam Campaign Medal. It is believed that Captain Donald F. Schnably may be the most highly decorated U.S. soldier to have graduated from Philip Barbour High School. Known as one who loved life and lived it to the fullest, Capt. Schnably served with courage and distinction, earning his many accolades and honors by the age of just 21 years and five months.