MAX NEWTON SCHULER was born on 04 Jan 1922 in Silver Hill, Prince George's, Maryland (MD) to Max Gustav and Jane "Jennie" (Cornwell) Schuler who married about 1915 possibly in Washington, DC. Max N. had four siblings who were: Johanna/Anna Jane Stanford (1916-2011), Mary Bell Caputo (1918-2014), Martha Ella Caputo (1923-2006), and Richard Paul Schuler (1930-2013). Jennie was a Washington, DC native whose parents were Newton and Jane (Storey) Cornwell. They lived at Silver Hill, MD for a time as well.
Max G. was native to Bernburg, Germany. He served in 1911 as a Private in the German Artillery prior to WWI. An unmarried Max immigrated to America on board the S.S. President Grant that departed Hamburg, Germany on 02 Nov 1913 and arrived in the Port of New York on 14 Nov 1913 where he disembarked and made his way to Maryland. Max obtained work as a laborer in the florist industry working in the fields and greenhouses. Max registered for the WWI draft in Washington, DC on 05 Sept 1917. He stated that he was a declarant for naturalization; his occupation was florist employed in Washington, DC., and he claimed an exemption from the draft because he was married with a child under 12 years of age. As the 1920s progressed so did the size of Max's family. They continued to live in the proximity of Suitland, Prince George's, Maryland not too distant from what is today Andrews Air Force Base. According to the 1930 US Census for Spaulding, MD Max owned a home valued at $8500.00 that was on a farm. He had become a naturalized citizen and was a laborer on a Florist farm. Their last child, Richard Paul, was born to Max and Jane, six months after the census was taken and almost a year after the beginning of the Great Depression on 29 Oct 1929 known as "Black Thursday."
With a family of four young children and a new born and a flagging economy the economic situation must have been challenging at best. To make the situation worse, tragedy occurred to the family in late January 1932 when Jane was accidentally struck in the forehead by a rake handle that caused injuries that led to her death on 13 Feb 1932. Left with five children the oldest being about 16 and the youngest about 2 years old, Max was faced with a daunting challenge on how to provide for his family and keep them together. By 1940, according to the US census, Max and his flock were still together with the addition of two son-in-laws and two granddaughters, 1 year old Jennie Caputo and three year old Patricia Sanford. Two of his daughters were married and a third was about to be. Max G was employed as a car washer at a garage while the two sons-in-law also contributed to family support. Max N. was employed as a painter for a contractor.
The 1940 US Census also records that Max N., had completed the 8th grade in school (According to a 25 Nov 1942 Washington Post article, Max graduated from Surrattsville High School in 1939). Like many of his contemporaries who wished to help with family finances, he also had one eye on the war that now was engulfing Europe, Max was restless. Having reached 18 years old, Max was soon lured to the opportunities available in the US military services. A steady income to help the family with expenses, adventure and the chance to learn a trade and just plain patriotism pulled strongly on many youth of the day including Max. He submitted a US Navy application for enlistment in early spring of 1940 at the local Naval Recruiting Station (NRS) in Washington, DC where he completed preliminary entrance examinations, submitted personal references, completed administrative paperwork and passed background checks. Most importantly, he obtained his father's permission to enlist.
After passing his physical and dental exams, Max enlisted in the US Navy (NSN:256-35-00) on 17 July 1940 in Washington, DC as an Apprentice Seaman. He agreed to serve six years of active duty. His beginning pay was $21.00 per month. He was sent to the Naval Training Station, Hampton Roads, VA for 8 weeks of recruit training. After he graduated from recruit training, AS Schuler was granted 10 days of leave to visit family and friends before being assigned to a service Class "A" school or to a ship of the US Fleet.
After he returned from leave AS Schuler was assigned to duty on board the battle ship, USS Pennsylvania (BB-38). On 11 Oct 1940, AS Schuler reported for duty on Pennsylvania. Later that year in Nov, Schuler advanced in rate to Seaman Second Class (S2c). S2c Schuler's tour of duty on board Pennsylvania was very brief. On 18 Jan 1941, S2c Schuler transferred to the Receiving Station, Pearl Harbor for further transfer (FFT) to the transport ship, USS Chaumont (AP-5) for FFT to Asiatic Station in Manila for assignment. Several days later on 21 Jan 1941, S2c Schuler transferred to Chaumont for his ride across the Pacific via stops at Wake Island, Guam and finally Manila arriving on 10 Feb 1941. He disembarked from Chaumont and reported for duty to the destroyer, USS Peary (DD-226) later that day. After reporting on board Peary, Max ask for permission to change his career path from Seaman to Fireman. His request was approved. On 07 May 1941, Schuler changed rate from Seaman 2c to Fireman Third Class (F3c). On 15 Nov 1941, Schuler advanced in rate to Fireman Second Class (F2c).
PRELUDE TO WAR.
Overt hostilities between China and Japan began after the Marco Polo Bridge incident of 07 July 1937. Japanese aggression against it's neighbor continued to escalate each year adding to the distinct possibility that actions against foreign powers who had military and civilian personnel in China might inadvertently draw them into the fray. The US Asiatic Fleet was a force present along the Chinese coast and in some of their rivers. US warships were frequent visitors to coastal cities ostensibly to protect US interests and citizens. On 01 Sep 1939, World War II in Europe began. The quick successes of Germany and her allies against Allied forces in Europe emboldened the militarists of Japan.
Japanese aggression continued to increase in East Asia during 1940 forcing many foreign governments to begin withdrawing their ground based forces and the majority of the naval forces, as well as, evacuating military and civilian expatriates from China. On 28 Apr, Peary steamed out of Manila Bay bound for Hong Kong for some "showing the flag" as the Japanese were becoming ever increasingly bellicose. After visiting several ports along the China coast, Peary got underway from Tsingtao, China on 24 June 1940 steaming back to Manila.
By autumn of 1940, the unstable international situation in the region and Japan's persistent aggression made the presence of the Asiatic Fleet ships untenable, so Adm. Thomas C. Hart, the Commander in Chief, U.S. Asiatic Fleet, ordered the withdrawal of all major Navy blue-water ships from China on 21 October 1940, leaving only the gunboats on the Yangtze. When Peary departed from Shanghai a short time later, it would mark the end of the US Navy's blue-water ships presence in Chinese ports. As the Asiatic Fleet reduced its presence in China, Peary's operations indefinitely shifted to the Philippine Archipelago. During 1941, the bulk of her activities included training and patrols around the Philippine Islands.
Admiral Hart had begun evacuating all of the families of his sailors home in the fall of 1940. There was push-back from the resentful spouses who initially declined to leave their husbands. It was only a threat to indefinitely restrict their spouses to their ships without leave that finally convinced the families; it was time to comply with orders and return to the continental United States (CONUS). Many traveled home on the President's Steam Ship Line. Admiral Hart's directive probably saved many family members from internment by the Japanese or worse. For many of the married and unmarried sailors alike, it was the last time they would ever see their families.
The threat of hostilities between the United States and Japan grew closer to the boiling point as the year 1941 began. Then, in July 1941, as Japanese aggression intensified with their move south into lower Indo-China, Admiral Hart warned his officers that he had no doubt that war would come although he didn't know how or when it would start. Hart trained his destroyer crews hard keeping them on a war-footing for extended periods and away from Cavite naval base as much as possible exercising his "defensive deployment."
On Tuesday, 25 November 1941, two days in advance of the "war warning" from the Navy Department which predicted that hostile Japanese action in the Pacific was imminent, Admiral Hart, directed his ships including destroyer tender USS Black Hawk (AD-9), and other ships of Destroyer Squadron Twenty-Nine (DesRon) 29, to get underway and exercise his "Defensive Deployment" well south of Manila. The ships arrived on the morning of 29 Nov 1941 in Balikpapan, a major oil port on the eastern coast of Borneo. Some ships remained at Cavite for operational purposes. USS Peary (DD-226) was one of four destroyers to remain in Cavite with the USS Pillsbury (DD-227), USS Pope (DD-225) and USS John D. Ford (DD-228).
Govern Yourself Accordingly
On 7 December 1941 [8 December east of the International date Line], the Japanese onslaught began across a wide area, from the Far East to Pearl Harbor. When word was received that the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor. Adm Hart direct his forces to "Govern Yourself Accordingly." Several days later all hell broke loose at Manila Bay! Wednesday morning, 10 Dec 1941 in Manila broke with clear skies. Just passed high noon and without warning, scores of Japanese fighters and bombers appeared overhead and commenced to wreak havoc on the naval facilities and ships still inport. When the attack was over, most of the naval base was reduced to rubble. Peary had been struck by a bomb which caused extensive damage. A number of her crew were killed, wounded and missing further reducing her manning complement further below acceptable levels.
After the 10 Dec attack, Peary's remaining crew set to work repairing their ship. It was a Herculean effort performed by the crew in conjunction with the facilities of Atlantic Gulf and Pacific Company to effect the minimum repairs in order to make Peary sea-worthy. Because a large number of Peary's crew were lost, a call for replacements was made by Peary's CO to COMAF and Commandant, Sixteenth Naval District (COM16ND) in Manila. Many sailors from other commands would be transferred to Peary over the next several weeks to help fill her manning shortages. On 23 Dec 1941, Peary got underway on her first war mission; an antisubmarine patrol assignment in the Verde Island Passage between Luzon and the Philippine island of Mindoro. She returned to port late on 24 Dec. On Christmas Day, she made passenger pick-up and delivery runs to Corregidor and Manila.
The day after Christmas 1941, the CO's of Pillsbury and Peary were ashore at a conference with COM16ND, Admiral Rockwell, to discuss releasing their ships to join other US forces in the Netherlands East Indies when enemy bombers suddenly appeared overhead. Peary was attacked by five flights of Japanese high level bombers. Each flight consisted of between 6 to 9 planes. Peary's new CO, Lt Bermingham, watched from ashore as his new executive officer, Lt Martin M. Koivisto, skillfully maneuvered Peary around Manila Bay dodging bomb after bomb for several hours. Though she suffered a few near misses, Peary emerged virtually unscathed. Later that evening, Peary and Pillsbury were ordered to put to sea and proceed south by the best route and join Task Force 5 at Soerabaja, Java. For safety, each ship was to proceed independently.
Peary's voyage south was eventful and dangerous as the Japanese held mastery of the air and sea. Intelligence information provided to Peary just after her departure from Manila indicated that Japanese warships probably lurked along her intended route to Surabaja. Peary's CO changed her track and destination to Darwin, Australia. Peary traveled only by night and during the day she was brought close to shore and tied up to trees and covered with palm fronds and green paint in order to blend with the flora of the various islands. Several times, Japanese bombers flew overhead but did not detect the ship.
About 0800, 28 Dec, Peary sighted a large Japanese four-engine seaplane shadowing her. It was a Kawanishi HK6 "Mavis" flying boat. About 1400, three more Mavis' joined and the attacks began with each plane making two runs dropping a single bomb estimated at 500 pounds. During the attacks, gun crews on Peary kept up continuous fire at the enemy planes. She maneuvered successfully avoiding the bombs while her gun crews threw up a curtain of anti-aircraft fire.
Finally, after the flying boats completed their attacks, two twin engine, single wing torpedo planes appeared and commenced an attack on Peary dropping two torpedoes off the port bow and two off the port quarter. Again, the skipper maneuvered the ship out of danger. However, after dropping their ordnance, the enemy torpedo planes returned to fired several strafing bursts which struck the stacks. They were driven off by heavy shipboard machine gun fire.
About 1800, off Kema Island in the Bangka Strait, three Australian Lockheed Hudson patrol bombers were sighted approaching from astern. The aircraft challenged Peary via signal light and she responded. The pilot was seen to wave his arm. However, one of the planes assumed a glide bombing profile. Peary's anti-aircraft batteries opened fire and began maneuvering radically. One of her crewman lost his balance and fell overboard (he was picked up by a fisherman, but was turned over to the Japanese. He worked in a mine in Japan and was repatriated at the end of the war.).
Each Hudson made two attacks dropping a single 250 pound shrapnel bomb. There were no direct hits but near misses caused extensive damage. Peary was hit in various places topside and in the engineering spaces. The shrapnel hit in the engineering spaces and knocked one of Peary's two main engines out of commission. One crewman was killed when he was struck by shrapnel (S1c Kenneth E. Quinaux, a machine gunner, was buried at sea during services at 2000 on 29 Dec 1941.). Prior to departing, each Hudson made a strafing run on the ship. It was learned later that the Australian aircraft had misidentified the US ships because of their resemblance to a class of Japanese warship.
Peary anchored at Port Darwin at 0840, 03 Jan 1942 after a 2100 mile plus transit from Manila, Philippines to Darwin, Australia. Within a week of arriving at Darwin, twenty-eight enlisted men and officers became ill with a virulent form of Malaria or Dengue Fever, contracted when the ship anchored off remote Maitara Island near Ternate in the Halmakeras. It had been necessary to stop there to make repairs after being attacked by Australian aircraft. Eventually eight men would die from the diseases.
Peary received tender availability services from USS Black Hawk (AD-9) to affect temporary repairs and make Peary seaworthy. Those repairs were completed on 22 Jan 1942. Peary then assumed submarine escort duties.
On 29 Jan 1942, Peary steamed from Darwin bound for the island of Timor on a secret mission. She was to deliver a "special duty" contingent of sixteen US Army personnel, 100 drums (5300 gal) of avgas and 50 gallons of lube oil after midnight on 31 Jan 1942 to a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) field. The fuel and lubricant was to be used by US Army Air Force P-40s in the defense of Java. Five Peary crewmen manned the motor whaleboat used to ferry the men and cargo ashore. Problems quickly developed. As the boat approached the shore it went aground and due to broaching seas it could not be towed clear. Because of the high sea state, it was not possible to remove the crew or return to them to the ship. The motor whaleboat crew were left ashore until such time as the tides shifted and seas moderated before they could be returned to the ship.
She resumed her anti-submarine escort duties for USS Langley (AV-3) from Darwin to Fremantle, Australia between 08-13 Feb 1942, and she steamed with USS Houston escorting a Darwin-Koepang convoy from 14 to 18 Feb 1942. She was also searching for an elusive Japanese submarine contact which reduced her fuel supply such that she had to return to Port Darwin to refuel. Her luck was about to run out.
Peary returned to Port Darwin and anchored about 0100, 19 Feb 1942. About 1045, Port Darwin was subject to a massive air attack by a combined Japanese carrier and land base force of over 200 fighters and bombers. Peary, still at anchor, was hit by five bombs. The fifth bomb, an incendiary, exploded in the after engine room opening the ship to the sea. She sank, stern first with her anti-aircraft guns still firing as the last enemy planes left the area.
Eighty-eight officers and men including the commanding officer were killed in her sinking; 57 survived, 20 of whom were wounded. F2c Schuler was initially believed to have gone down with his ship and his remains being unrecoverable. He was listed as missing in action on 19 Feb 1942.
On 10 April 1942, Max G. Schuler received a telegram from the Navy Department. It read in part; "The Navy Department deeply regrets to inform you that your son, Max Newton Schuler, Fireman Second Class, US Navy is missing following action in the performance of his duty and in the service of his country."
The following year, Max Gustav Schuler, received a letter from the Secretary of the Navy, Frank Knox, dated 17 March 1943. It read; "After a full review of all available information, I am reluctantly forced to the conclusion that your son, Max Newton Schuler, Fireman Second Class, U.S.N., is deceased, having been reported "missing in action' on the 19th day of February 1942, being a member of the crew and serving aboard the U.S.S. Peary when that vessel was sunk in the port of Darwin, Australia. In accordance with Section 5 of Public Law 490, 77th Congress, as amended, your son's death is known to have occurred on the 19th of February 1942. I extend to you my sincere sympathy in your great loss and hope you may find comfort in the knowledge that your son gave his life for his Country, upholding the highest traditions of the Navy. The Navy shares in your sense of bereavement and will feel the loss of his service."
Apparently however, Australians who manned small boats of all kinds and braved the Japanese onslaught on 19 Feb 1942 began to rescue US and Allied sailors in the water. They also retrieved the dead and brought them ashore. Apparently, Schuler may have been still alive when he was brought ashore and rushed to the newly constructed 119th (Australian) Army General Hospital (AGH) located in Berrimah about 8 miles south of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. The hospital consisted of huts and canvas tents (some photos online). There were 600 beds. During the first air raid, the hospital was strafed by Japanese planes killing one patient. Following the attacks all wards had wounded in every available bed, and outside on the verandas as well. Schuler probably died at the hospital and was buried in the Berrimah cemetery along with several other Peary sailors.
After the February air attacks, the 119th Army hospital moved in March 1942 to the town of Adelaide River about 65 miles south of Darwin where the hospital was reconstituted to serve units in the Northern Territory of Australia. Rail sidings were built at the Adelaide River rail station that brought the wounded personnel to the hospital.
In mid-1942, the Adelaide River War Cemetery was established consisting of two sections; one for service personnel and one for civilians. Schuler's remains were removed from the first grave at Berrimah to the Adelaide River cemetery and buried on 05 Sept 1942 in grave #9, Row #1, Plot #3. About 1943, his remains were exhumed from Adelaide River Cemetery and reburied at Rookwood USAF Cemetery in Sydney, Australia. Schuler's remains were repatriated in 1946. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA on 11 Mar 1947 in Section 12, grave 1077.
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F2c Schuler was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart Medal, American Defense Service Medal w/Fleet Clasp (bronze star in lieu of clasp), Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal w/Fleet Clasp and two bronze stars (one bronze star in lieu of clasp), US Army Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Defense Medal with a bronze service star, WWII Victory Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon (retroactive 07 Dec 1942).
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Fireman Second Class Schuler's father also received a personal commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads:
In grateful memory of Max Newton SCHULER who died in the service of his country at Darwin, Australia, ATTACHED U.S.S. PEARY, 19 February 1942. He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives – in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
//s// Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America
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Transcription of Washington Post article of Wednesday, 25 Nov 1942
Fireman Max Newton Schuler, 21, of Silver Hill, MD., formerly reported missing in navy dispatches, was officially reported to be dead by the Department Monday. Schuler had lived with his father, Gustave Schuler, at Silver Hill at the house where the youthful sailor was born. He enlisted in the navy in 1939 (sic) after his graduation from Surrattsville high school. He first served on the USS Pennsylvania and then was transferred to the USS Perry (sic) which was reported sunk February 20, off Darwin. His father is an employee of the Navy Yard here. Other relatives include a younger brother, Richard, and three sisters, Mrs Mary Caputo of Bradbury Heights, Mrs Anna Stanford of Kenilworth, and Mrs Martha Caputo of Washington. Schuler was reported missing last May 15.
Evening Star (Washington, DC) – 19 Feb 1943, Fri – p.10
Schuler, Max N. In fond memory of our son and brother, Max N. Schuler, who passed away one year ago today, February 19, 1942, in the service of his country.
According to the Evening Star (Washington, DC) – 10 Mar 1948, Wed, p.12, a memorial service will be held for F2c Max Newton Schuler on 11 Mar 1948 at the Fort Myer Chapel, Arlington, VA., with military honors. The beloved son of Max and the late Jennie Cornwell Schuler. Surviving are his father, Max Schuler; his step-mother Alice Schuler: his sisters, Mrs Anna Stanford, Mrs Mary Caputo and Mrs Martha Caputo: his brother Richard; his step-sister, Mrs Marjorie Harding and his step-brother, Thomas Loarie.
Note: The precise details of F2c Schuler's death and remains recovery aren't known as of yet. Currently, his service record is on order from NARA. Hopefully the details will be contained in it. A rewrite will then be accomplished if necessary.
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Citation of Units of Both Military and Naval Forces of the United States and Philippine Governments.
--489--
As authorized by Executive Order No. 9075 (sec. II, Bull. 11, W.D., 1942), a citation in the name of the President of the United States, as public evidence of deserved honor and distinction, is awarded to all units of both military and naval forces of the United States and Philippine Governments engaged in the defense of the Philippines since December 7, 1941. (Later, it was called the US Army Presidential Unit Citation).
By order of the Secretary of War:
G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staff.
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Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation
Establishing Authority
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation was established by Headquarters, Philippine National Defense Forces, General Order Number 532 of September 14, 1946, as amended.
Acceptance by the United States
For service during World War II, acceptance is sanctioned by Public Law 80-314, which authorized the acceptance and wear of foreign decoration, medals, and awards in connection with services in World War II between the inclusive dates of December 7, 1941 and July 24, 1948.
Effective Dates
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation has been in effect since September 14, 1946.
Criteria
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation is awarded for extraordinarily meritorious service. The Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation has been awarded to United States military personnel who participated in the following:
• World War II
Service in the defense of the Philippines from December 7, 1941 to May 10, 1942.
Service in the liberation of the Philippines from October 17, 1944 to July 4, 1945.
All U.S. military units and naval vessels that earned any of the Philippine engagement stars are entitled to the Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation.
Certain submarines which maintained physical contact with guerrilla forces during the Japanese occupation of the Philippine Islands.
Online: https://rollofhonor.org/public/htmldetails.aspx?Cat=foreignaward&EntID=352
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Primary Sources:
1) Schuler, Max Newton, US Navy Service Record, The National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records (NPRC-MPR), St Louis, MO. 2023
2) Kehn, Donald M. Jr., In the Highest Degree Tragic, The Sacrifice of the U.S. Asiatic Fleet in the East Indies During World War II, Potomac Books, 2017.
3) Deck logs USS Peary retrieved 15 November 2021.
4) Northern Territory Library Roll of Honour: Browse location. www.ntlexhibit.nt.gov.au. Retrieved 20 November 2021. URL may not work.
5) Wikipedia page, USS Peary (DD-226), Retrieved 12 November 2021.
6) Wilde, E. Andrew, Jr. (Ed). U.S.S. Peary (DD-226) in World War II, Manila to Darwin, 12/10/41-2/19/42: Needham, Mass. : The Editor, 2007. http://destroyerhistory.org/assets/pdf/wilde/226Peary_wilde.pdf
7) Kehn, Donald M. Jr., A Blue Sea of Blood: deciphering the mysterious fate of the USS Edsall, Zenith Press, 2008.
8) Fold3 by Ancestry Navy Muster reports and Change reports
9) Ancestry.com Navy WWII muster and Change reports
10) Winslow, W.G. The Fleet the Gods Forgot: The United States Asiatic Fleet in World War II, Naval Institute Press, 1982.
11) Various newspaper articles
12) Cox, Jeffery R., Rising Sun, Falling Skies, Osprey Publishing, UK, 2015.
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Link to USS Peary memorial in Darwin, Australia with list of names of those lost in the sinking of the ship. It's a cenotaph. https://www.maritimequest.com/misc_pages/monuments_memorials/uss_Peary_memorial.htm
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Bio sketch #424 compiled on 15 June 2023 by Gerry Lawton
Military Hall of Honor ID# 334904
Find a Grave Memorial #49310277
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Max served as a Fireman, Second Class, U.S.S. Peary (DD-226), U.S. Navy during World War II.
He resided in Maryland, in the District of Columbia area, prior to the war.
Max was "Killed In Action" when the Peary was attacked by Japanese dive bombers, and was struck by five bombs and sank off the coast of Darwin, Australia during the war. He was awarded a Purple Heart.
He was originally interred in Australia and was later repatriated here on March 11, 1947
Service # 2563500
( Bio by: Russell S. "Russ" Pickett )
Max G. was native to Bernburg, Germany. He served in 1911 as a Private in the German Artillery prior to WWI. An unmarried Max immigrated to America on board the S.S. President Grant that departed Hamburg, Germany on 02 Nov 1913 and arrived in the Port of New York on 14 Nov 1913 where he disembarked and made his way to Maryland. Max obtained work as a laborer in the florist industry working in the fields and greenhouses. Max registered for the WWI draft in Washington, DC on 05 Sept 1917. He stated that he was a declarant for naturalization; his occupation was florist employed in Washington, DC., and he claimed an exemption from the draft because he was married with a child under 12 years of age. As the 1920s progressed so did the size of Max's family. They continued to live in the proximity of Suitland, Prince George's, Maryland not too distant from what is today Andrews Air Force Base. According to the 1930 US Census for Spaulding, MD Max owned a home valued at $8500.00 that was on a farm. He had become a naturalized citizen and was a laborer on a Florist farm. Their last child, Richard Paul, was born to Max and Jane, six months after the census was taken and almost a year after the beginning of the Great Depression on 29 Oct 1929 known as "Black Thursday."
With a family of four young children and a new born and a flagging economy the economic situation must have been challenging at best. To make the situation worse, tragedy occurred to the family in late January 1932 when Jane was accidentally struck in the forehead by a rake handle that caused injuries that led to her death on 13 Feb 1932. Left with five children the oldest being about 16 and the youngest about 2 years old, Max was faced with a daunting challenge on how to provide for his family and keep them together. By 1940, according to the US census, Max and his flock were still together with the addition of two son-in-laws and two granddaughters, 1 year old Jennie Caputo and three year old Patricia Sanford. Two of his daughters were married and a third was about to be. Max G was employed as a car washer at a garage while the two sons-in-law also contributed to family support. Max N. was employed as a painter for a contractor.
The 1940 US Census also records that Max N., had completed the 8th grade in school (According to a 25 Nov 1942 Washington Post article, Max graduated from Surrattsville High School in 1939). Like many of his contemporaries who wished to help with family finances, he also had one eye on the war that now was engulfing Europe, Max was restless. Having reached 18 years old, Max was soon lured to the opportunities available in the US military services. A steady income to help the family with expenses, adventure and the chance to learn a trade and just plain patriotism pulled strongly on many youth of the day including Max. He submitted a US Navy application for enlistment in early spring of 1940 at the local Naval Recruiting Station (NRS) in Washington, DC where he completed preliminary entrance examinations, submitted personal references, completed administrative paperwork and passed background checks. Most importantly, he obtained his father's permission to enlist.
After passing his physical and dental exams, Max enlisted in the US Navy (NSN:256-35-00) on 17 July 1940 in Washington, DC as an Apprentice Seaman. He agreed to serve six years of active duty. His beginning pay was $21.00 per month. He was sent to the Naval Training Station, Hampton Roads, VA for 8 weeks of recruit training. After he graduated from recruit training, AS Schuler was granted 10 days of leave to visit family and friends before being assigned to a service Class "A" school or to a ship of the US Fleet.
After he returned from leave AS Schuler was assigned to duty on board the battle ship, USS Pennsylvania (BB-38). On 11 Oct 1940, AS Schuler reported for duty on Pennsylvania. Later that year in Nov, Schuler advanced in rate to Seaman Second Class (S2c). S2c Schuler's tour of duty on board Pennsylvania was very brief. On 18 Jan 1941, S2c Schuler transferred to the Receiving Station, Pearl Harbor for further transfer (FFT) to the transport ship, USS Chaumont (AP-5) for FFT to Asiatic Station in Manila for assignment. Several days later on 21 Jan 1941, S2c Schuler transferred to Chaumont for his ride across the Pacific via stops at Wake Island, Guam and finally Manila arriving on 10 Feb 1941. He disembarked from Chaumont and reported for duty to the destroyer, USS Peary (DD-226) later that day. After reporting on board Peary, Max ask for permission to change his career path from Seaman to Fireman. His request was approved. On 07 May 1941, Schuler changed rate from Seaman 2c to Fireman Third Class (F3c). On 15 Nov 1941, Schuler advanced in rate to Fireman Second Class (F2c).
PRELUDE TO WAR.
Overt hostilities between China and Japan began after the Marco Polo Bridge incident of 07 July 1937. Japanese aggression against it's neighbor continued to escalate each year adding to the distinct possibility that actions against foreign powers who had military and civilian personnel in China might inadvertently draw them into the fray. The US Asiatic Fleet was a force present along the Chinese coast and in some of their rivers. US warships were frequent visitors to coastal cities ostensibly to protect US interests and citizens. On 01 Sep 1939, World War II in Europe began. The quick successes of Germany and her allies against Allied forces in Europe emboldened the militarists of Japan.
Japanese aggression continued to increase in East Asia during 1940 forcing many foreign governments to begin withdrawing their ground based forces and the majority of the naval forces, as well as, evacuating military and civilian expatriates from China. On 28 Apr, Peary steamed out of Manila Bay bound for Hong Kong for some "showing the flag" as the Japanese were becoming ever increasingly bellicose. After visiting several ports along the China coast, Peary got underway from Tsingtao, China on 24 June 1940 steaming back to Manila.
By autumn of 1940, the unstable international situation in the region and Japan's persistent aggression made the presence of the Asiatic Fleet ships untenable, so Adm. Thomas C. Hart, the Commander in Chief, U.S. Asiatic Fleet, ordered the withdrawal of all major Navy blue-water ships from China on 21 October 1940, leaving only the gunboats on the Yangtze. When Peary departed from Shanghai a short time later, it would mark the end of the US Navy's blue-water ships presence in Chinese ports. As the Asiatic Fleet reduced its presence in China, Peary's operations indefinitely shifted to the Philippine Archipelago. During 1941, the bulk of her activities included training and patrols around the Philippine Islands.
Admiral Hart had begun evacuating all of the families of his sailors home in the fall of 1940. There was push-back from the resentful spouses who initially declined to leave their husbands. It was only a threat to indefinitely restrict their spouses to their ships without leave that finally convinced the families; it was time to comply with orders and return to the continental United States (CONUS). Many traveled home on the President's Steam Ship Line. Admiral Hart's directive probably saved many family members from internment by the Japanese or worse. For many of the married and unmarried sailors alike, it was the last time they would ever see their families.
The threat of hostilities between the United States and Japan grew closer to the boiling point as the year 1941 began. Then, in July 1941, as Japanese aggression intensified with their move south into lower Indo-China, Admiral Hart warned his officers that he had no doubt that war would come although he didn't know how or when it would start. Hart trained his destroyer crews hard keeping them on a war-footing for extended periods and away from Cavite naval base as much as possible exercising his "defensive deployment."
On Tuesday, 25 November 1941, two days in advance of the "war warning" from the Navy Department which predicted that hostile Japanese action in the Pacific was imminent, Admiral Hart, directed his ships including destroyer tender USS Black Hawk (AD-9), and other ships of Destroyer Squadron Twenty-Nine (DesRon) 29, to get underway and exercise his "Defensive Deployment" well south of Manila. The ships arrived on the morning of 29 Nov 1941 in Balikpapan, a major oil port on the eastern coast of Borneo. Some ships remained at Cavite for operational purposes. USS Peary (DD-226) was one of four destroyers to remain in Cavite with the USS Pillsbury (DD-227), USS Pope (DD-225) and USS John D. Ford (DD-228).
Govern Yourself Accordingly
On 7 December 1941 [8 December east of the International date Line], the Japanese onslaught began across a wide area, from the Far East to Pearl Harbor. When word was received that the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor. Adm Hart direct his forces to "Govern Yourself Accordingly." Several days later all hell broke loose at Manila Bay! Wednesday morning, 10 Dec 1941 in Manila broke with clear skies. Just passed high noon and without warning, scores of Japanese fighters and bombers appeared overhead and commenced to wreak havoc on the naval facilities and ships still inport. When the attack was over, most of the naval base was reduced to rubble. Peary had been struck by a bomb which caused extensive damage. A number of her crew were killed, wounded and missing further reducing her manning complement further below acceptable levels.
After the 10 Dec attack, Peary's remaining crew set to work repairing their ship. It was a Herculean effort performed by the crew in conjunction with the facilities of Atlantic Gulf and Pacific Company to effect the minimum repairs in order to make Peary sea-worthy. Because a large number of Peary's crew were lost, a call for replacements was made by Peary's CO to COMAF and Commandant, Sixteenth Naval District (COM16ND) in Manila. Many sailors from other commands would be transferred to Peary over the next several weeks to help fill her manning shortages. On 23 Dec 1941, Peary got underway on her first war mission; an antisubmarine patrol assignment in the Verde Island Passage between Luzon and the Philippine island of Mindoro. She returned to port late on 24 Dec. On Christmas Day, she made passenger pick-up and delivery runs to Corregidor and Manila.
The day after Christmas 1941, the CO's of Pillsbury and Peary were ashore at a conference with COM16ND, Admiral Rockwell, to discuss releasing their ships to join other US forces in the Netherlands East Indies when enemy bombers suddenly appeared overhead. Peary was attacked by five flights of Japanese high level bombers. Each flight consisted of between 6 to 9 planes. Peary's new CO, Lt Bermingham, watched from ashore as his new executive officer, Lt Martin M. Koivisto, skillfully maneuvered Peary around Manila Bay dodging bomb after bomb for several hours. Though she suffered a few near misses, Peary emerged virtually unscathed. Later that evening, Peary and Pillsbury were ordered to put to sea and proceed south by the best route and join Task Force 5 at Soerabaja, Java. For safety, each ship was to proceed independently.
Peary's voyage south was eventful and dangerous as the Japanese held mastery of the air and sea. Intelligence information provided to Peary just after her departure from Manila indicated that Japanese warships probably lurked along her intended route to Surabaja. Peary's CO changed her track and destination to Darwin, Australia. Peary traveled only by night and during the day she was brought close to shore and tied up to trees and covered with palm fronds and green paint in order to blend with the flora of the various islands. Several times, Japanese bombers flew overhead but did not detect the ship.
About 0800, 28 Dec, Peary sighted a large Japanese four-engine seaplane shadowing her. It was a Kawanishi HK6 "Mavis" flying boat. About 1400, three more Mavis' joined and the attacks began with each plane making two runs dropping a single bomb estimated at 500 pounds. During the attacks, gun crews on Peary kept up continuous fire at the enemy planes. She maneuvered successfully avoiding the bombs while her gun crews threw up a curtain of anti-aircraft fire.
Finally, after the flying boats completed their attacks, two twin engine, single wing torpedo planes appeared and commenced an attack on Peary dropping two torpedoes off the port bow and two off the port quarter. Again, the skipper maneuvered the ship out of danger. However, after dropping their ordnance, the enemy torpedo planes returned to fired several strafing bursts which struck the stacks. They were driven off by heavy shipboard machine gun fire.
About 1800, off Kema Island in the Bangka Strait, three Australian Lockheed Hudson patrol bombers were sighted approaching from astern. The aircraft challenged Peary via signal light and she responded. The pilot was seen to wave his arm. However, one of the planes assumed a glide bombing profile. Peary's anti-aircraft batteries opened fire and began maneuvering radically. One of her crewman lost his balance and fell overboard (he was picked up by a fisherman, but was turned over to the Japanese. He worked in a mine in Japan and was repatriated at the end of the war.).
Each Hudson made two attacks dropping a single 250 pound shrapnel bomb. There were no direct hits but near misses caused extensive damage. Peary was hit in various places topside and in the engineering spaces. The shrapnel hit in the engineering spaces and knocked one of Peary's two main engines out of commission. One crewman was killed when he was struck by shrapnel (S1c Kenneth E. Quinaux, a machine gunner, was buried at sea during services at 2000 on 29 Dec 1941.). Prior to departing, each Hudson made a strafing run on the ship. It was learned later that the Australian aircraft had misidentified the US ships because of their resemblance to a class of Japanese warship.
Peary anchored at Port Darwin at 0840, 03 Jan 1942 after a 2100 mile plus transit from Manila, Philippines to Darwin, Australia. Within a week of arriving at Darwin, twenty-eight enlisted men and officers became ill with a virulent form of Malaria or Dengue Fever, contracted when the ship anchored off remote Maitara Island near Ternate in the Halmakeras. It had been necessary to stop there to make repairs after being attacked by Australian aircraft. Eventually eight men would die from the diseases.
Peary received tender availability services from USS Black Hawk (AD-9) to affect temporary repairs and make Peary seaworthy. Those repairs were completed on 22 Jan 1942. Peary then assumed submarine escort duties.
On 29 Jan 1942, Peary steamed from Darwin bound for the island of Timor on a secret mission. She was to deliver a "special duty" contingent of sixteen US Army personnel, 100 drums (5300 gal) of avgas and 50 gallons of lube oil after midnight on 31 Jan 1942 to a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) field. The fuel and lubricant was to be used by US Army Air Force P-40s in the defense of Java. Five Peary crewmen manned the motor whaleboat used to ferry the men and cargo ashore. Problems quickly developed. As the boat approached the shore it went aground and due to broaching seas it could not be towed clear. Because of the high sea state, it was not possible to remove the crew or return to them to the ship. The motor whaleboat crew were left ashore until such time as the tides shifted and seas moderated before they could be returned to the ship.
She resumed her anti-submarine escort duties for USS Langley (AV-3) from Darwin to Fremantle, Australia between 08-13 Feb 1942, and she steamed with USS Houston escorting a Darwin-Koepang convoy from 14 to 18 Feb 1942. She was also searching for an elusive Japanese submarine contact which reduced her fuel supply such that she had to return to Port Darwin to refuel. Her luck was about to run out.
Peary returned to Port Darwin and anchored about 0100, 19 Feb 1942. About 1045, Port Darwin was subject to a massive air attack by a combined Japanese carrier and land base force of over 200 fighters and bombers. Peary, still at anchor, was hit by five bombs. The fifth bomb, an incendiary, exploded in the after engine room opening the ship to the sea. She sank, stern first with her anti-aircraft guns still firing as the last enemy planes left the area.
Eighty-eight officers and men including the commanding officer were killed in her sinking; 57 survived, 20 of whom were wounded. F2c Schuler was initially believed to have gone down with his ship and his remains being unrecoverable. He was listed as missing in action on 19 Feb 1942.
On 10 April 1942, Max G. Schuler received a telegram from the Navy Department. It read in part; "The Navy Department deeply regrets to inform you that your son, Max Newton Schuler, Fireman Second Class, US Navy is missing following action in the performance of his duty and in the service of his country."
The following year, Max Gustav Schuler, received a letter from the Secretary of the Navy, Frank Knox, dated 17 March 1943. It read; "After a full review of all available information, I am reluctantly forced to the conclusion that your son, Max Newton Schuler, Fireman Second Class, U.S.N., is deceased, having been reported "missing in action' on the 19th day of February 1942, being a member of the crew and serving aboard the U.S.S. Peary when that vessel was sunk in the port of Darwin, Australia. In accordance with Section 5 of Public Law 490, 77th Congress, as amended, your son's death is known to have occurred on the 19th of February 1942. I extend to you my sincere sympathy in your great loss and hope you may find comfort in the knowledge that your son gave his life for his Country, upholding the highest traditions of the Navy. The Navy shares in your sense of bereavement and will feel the loss of his service."
Apparently however, Australians who manned small boats of all kinds and braved the Japanese onslaught on 19 Feb 1942 began to rescue US and Allied sailors in the water. They also retrieved the dead and brought them ashore. Apparently, Schuler may have been still alive when he was brought ashore and rushed to the newly constructed 119th (Australian) Army General Hospital (AGH) located in Berrimah about 8 miles south of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. The hospital consisted of huts and canvas tents (some photos online). There were 600 beds. During the first air raid, the hospital was strafed by Japanese planes killing one patient. Following the attacks all wards had wounded in every available bed, and outside on the verandas as well. Schuler probably died at the hospital and was buried in the Berrimah cemetery along with several other Peary sailors.
After the February air attacks, the 119th Army hospital moved in March 1942 to the town of Adelaide River about 65 miles south of Darwin where the hospital was reconstituted to serve units in the Northern Territory of Australia. Rail sidings were built at the Adelaide River rail station that brought the wounded personnel to the hospital.
In mid-1942, the Adelaide River War Cemetery was established consisting of two sections; one for service personnel and one for civilians. Schuler's remains were removed from the first grave at Berrimah to the Adelaide River cemetery and buried on 05 Sept 1942 in grave #9, Row #1, Plot #3. About 1943, his remains were exhumed from Adelaide River Cemetery and reburied at Rookwood USAF Cemetery in Sydney, Australia. Schuler's remains were repatriated in 1946. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA on 11 Mar 1947 in Section 12, grave 1077.
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F2c Schuler was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart Medal, American Defense Service Medal w/Fleet Clasp (bronze star in lieu of clasp), Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal w/Fleet Clasp and two bronze stars (one bronze star in lieu of clasp), US Army Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Defense Medal with a bronze service star, WWII Victory Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon (retroactive 07 Dec 1942).
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Fireman Second Class Schuler's father also received a personal commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads:
In grateful memory of Max Newton SCHULER who died in the service of his country at Darwin, Australia, ATTACHED U.S.S. PEARY, 19 February 1942. He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives – in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
//s// Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America
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Transcription of Washington Post article of Wednesday, 25 Nov 1942
Fireman Max Newton Schuler, 21, of Silver Hill, MD., formerly reported missing in navy dispatches, was officially reported to be dead by the Department Monday. Schuler had lived with his father, Gustave Schuler, at Silver Hill at the house where the youthful sailor was born. He enlisted in the navy in 1939 (sic) after his graduation from Surrattsville high school. He first served on the USS Pennsylvania and then was transferred to the USS Perry (sic) which was reported sunk February 20, off Darwin. His father is an employee of the Navy Yard here. Other relatives include a younger brother, Richard, and three sisters, Mrs Mary Caputo of Bradbury Heights, Mrs Anna Stanford of Kenilworth, and Mrs Martha Caputo of Washington. Schuler was reported missing last May 15.
Evening Star (Washington, DC) – 19 Feb 1943, Fri – p.10
Schuler, Max N. In fond memory of our son and brother, Max N. Schuler, who passed away one year ago today, February 19, 1942, in the service of his country.
According to the Evening Star (Washington, DC) – 10 Mar 1948, Wed, p.12, a memorial service will be held for F2c Max Newton Schuler on 11 Mar 1948 at the Fort Myer Chapel, Arlington, VA., with military honors. The beloved son of Max and the late Jennie Cornwell Schuler. Surviving are his father, Max Schuler; his step-mother Alice Schuler: his sisters, Mrs Anna Stanford, Mrs Mary Caputo and Mrs Martha Caputo: his brother Richard; his step-sister, Mrs Marjorie Harding and his step-brother, Thomas Loarie.
Note: The precise details of F2c Schuler's death and remains recovery aren't known as of yet. Currently, his service record is on order from NARA. Hopefully the details will be contained in it. A rewrite will then be accomplished if necessary.
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Citation of Units of Both Military and Naval Forces of the United States and Philippine Governments.
--489--
As authorized by Executive Order No. 9075 (sec. II, Bull. 11, W.D., 1942), a citation in the name of the President of the United States, as public evidence of deserved honor and distinction, is awarded to all units of both military and naval forces of the United States and Philippine Governments engaged in the defense of the Philippines since December 7, 1941. (Later, it was called the US Army Presidential Unit Citation).
By order of the Secretary of War:
G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staff.
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Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation
Establishing Authority
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation was established by Headquarters, Philippine National Defense Forces, General Order Number 532 of September 14, 1946, as amended.
Acceptance by the United States
For service during World War II, acceptance is sanctioned by Public Law 80-314, which authorized the acceptance and wear of foreign decoration, medals, and awards in connection with services in World War II between the inclusive dates of December 7, 1941 and July 24, 1948.
Effective Dates
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation has been in effect since September 14, 1946.
Criteria
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation is awarded for extraordinarily meritorious service. The Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation has been awarded to United States military personnel who participated in the following:
• World War II
Service in the defense of the Philippines from December 7, 1941 to May 10, 1942.
Service in the liberation of the Philippines from October 17, 1944 to July 4, 1945.
All U.S. military units and naval vessels that earned any of the Philippine engagement stars are entitled to the Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation.
Certain submarines which maintained physical contact with guerrilla forces during the Japanese occupation of the Philippine Islands.
Online: https://rollofhonor.org/public/htmldetails.aspx?Cat=foreignaward&EntID=352
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Primary Sources:
1) Schuler, Max Newton, US Navy Service Record, The National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records (NPRC-MPR), St Louis, MO. 2023
2) Kehn, Donald M. Jr., In the Highest Degree Tragic, The Sacrifice of the U.S. Asiatic Fleet in the East Indies During World War II, Potomac Books, 2017.
3) Deck logs USS Peary retrieved 15 November 2021.
4) Northern Territory Library Roll of Honour: Browse location. www.ntlexhibit.nt.gov.au. Retrieved 20 November 2021. URL may not work.
5) Wikipedia page, USS Peary (DD-226), Retrieved 12 November 2021.
6) Wilde, E. Andrew, Jr. (Ed). U.S.S. Peary (DD-226) in World War II, Manila to Darwin, 12/10/41-2/19/42: Needham, Mass. : The Editor, 2007. http://destroyerhistory.org/assets/pdf/wilde/226Peary_wilde.pdf
7) Kehn, Donald M. Jr., A Blue Sea of Blood: deciphering the mysterious fate of the USS Edsall, Zenith Press, 2008.
8) Fold3 by Ancestry Navy Muster reports and Change reports
9) Ancestry.com Navy WWII muster and Change reports
10) Winslow, W.G. The Fleet the Gods Forgot: The United States Asiatic Fleet in World War II, Naval Institute Press, 1982.
11) Various newspaper articles
12) Cox, Jeffery R., Rising Sun, Falling Skies, Osprey Publishing, UK, 2015.
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Link to USS Peary memorial in Darwin, Australia with list of names of those lost in the sinking of the ship. It's a cenotaph. https://www.maritimequest.com/misc_pages/monuments_memorials/uss_Peary_memorial.htm
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Bio sketch #424 compiled on 15 June 2023 by Gerry Lawton
Military Hall of Honor ID# 334904
Find a Grave Memorial #49310277
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Max served as a Fireman, Second Class, U.S.S. Peary (DD-226), U.S. Navy during World War II.
He resided in Maryland, in the District of Columbia area, prior to the war.
Max was "Killed In Action" when the Peary was attacked by Japanese dive bombers, and was struck by five bombs and sank off the coast of Darwin, Australia during the war. He was awarded a Purple Heart.
He was originally interred in Australia and was later repatriated here on March 11, 1947
Service # 2563500
( Bio by: Russell S. "Russ" Pickett )
MAX NEWTON SCHULER was born on 04 Jan 1922 in Silver Hill, Prince George's, Maryland (MD) to Max Gustav and Jane "Jennie" (Cornwell) Schuler who married about 1915 possibly in Washington, DC. Max N. had four siblings who were: Johanna/Anna Jane Stanford (1916-2011), Mary Bell Caputo (1918-2014), Martha Ella Caputo (1923-2006), and Richard Paul Schuler (1930-2013). Jennie was a Washington, DC native whose parents were Newton and Jane (Storey) Cornwell. They lived at Silver Hill, MD for a time as well.
Max G. was native to Bernburg, Germany. He served in 1911 as a Private in the German Artillery prior to WWI. An unmarried Max immigrated to America on board the S.S. President Grant that departed Hamburg, Germany on 02 Nov 1913 and arrived in the Port of New York on 14 Nov 1913 where he disembarked and made his way to Maryland. Max obtained work as a laborer in the florist industry working in the fields and greenhouses. Max registered for the WWI draft in Washington, DC on 05 Sept 1917. He stated that he was a declarant for naturalization; his occupation was florist employed in Washington, DC., and he claimed an exemption from the draft because he was married with a child under 12 years of age. As the 1920s progressed so did the size of Max's family. They continued to live in the proximity of Suitland, Prince George's, Maryland not too distant from what is today Andrews Air Force Base. According to the 1930 US Census for Spaulding, MD Max owned a home valued at $8500.00 that was on a farm. He had become a naturalized citizen and was a laborer on a Florist farm. Their last child, Richard Paul, was born to Max and Jane, six months after the census was taken and almost a year after the beginning of the Great Depression on 29 Oct 1929 known as "Black Thursday."
With a family of four young children and a new born and a flagging economy the economic situation must have been challenging at best. To make the situation worse, tragedy occurred to the family in late January 1932 when Jane was accidentally struck in the forehead by a rake handle that caused injuries that led to her death on 13 Feb 1932. Left with five children the oldest being about 16 and the youngest about 2 years old, Max was faced with a daunting challenge on how to provide for his family and keep them together. By 1940, according to the US census, Max and his flock were still together with the addition of two son-in-laws and two granddaughters, 1 year old Jennie Caputo and three year old Patricia Sanford. Two of his daughters were married and a third was about to be. Max G was employed as a car washer at a garage while the two sons-in-law also contributed to family support. Max N. was employed as a painter for a contractor.
The 1940 US Census also records that Max N., had completed the 8th grade in school (According to a 25 Nov 1942 Washington Post article, Max graduated from Surrattsville High School in 1939). Like many of his contemporaries who wished to help with family finances, he also had one eye on the war that now was engulfing Europe, Max was restless. Having reached 18 years old, Max was soon lured to the opportunities available in the US military services. A steady income to help the family with expenses, adventure and the chance to learn a trade and just plain patriotism pulled strongly on many youth of the day including Max. He submitted a US Navy application for enlistment in early spring of 1940 at the local Naval Recruiting Station (NRS) in Washington, DC where he completed preliminary entrance examinations, submitted personal references, completed administrative paperwork and passed background checks. Most importantly, he obtained his father's permission to enlist.
After passing his physical and dental exams, Max enlisted in the US Navy (NSN:256-35-00) on 17 July 1940 in Washington, DC as an Apprentice Seaman. He agreed to serve six years of active duty. His beginning pay was $21.00 per month. He was sent to the Naval Training Station, Hampton Roads, VA for 8 weeks of recruit training. After he graduated from recruit training, AS Schuler was granted 10 days of leave to visit family and friends before being assigned to a service Class "A" school or to a ship of the US Fleet.
After he returned from leave AS Schuler was assigned to duty on board the battle ship, USS Pennsylvania (BB-38). On 11 Oct 1940, AS Schuler reported for duty on Pennsylvania. Later that year in Nov, Schuler advanced in rate to Seaman Second Class (S2c). S2c Schuler's tour of duty on board Pennsylvania was very brief. On 18 Jan 1941, S2c Schuler transferred to the Receiving Station, Pearl Harbor for further transfer (FFT) to the transport ship, USS Chaumont (AP-5) for FFT to Asiatic Station in Manila for assignment. Several days later on 21 Jan 1941, S2c Schuler transferred to Chaumont for his ride across the Pacific via stops at Wake Island, Guam and finally Manila arriving on 10 Feb 1941. He disembarked from Chaumont and reported for duty to the destroyer, USS Peary (DD-226) later that day. After reporting on board Peary, Max ask for permission to change his career path from Seaman to Fireman. His request was approved. On 07 May 1941, Schuler changed rate from Seaman 2c to Fireman Third Class (F3c). On 15 Nov 1941, Schuler advanced in rate to Fireman Second Class (F2c).
PRELUDE TO WAR.
Overt hostilities between China and Japan began after the Marco Polo Bridge incident of 07 July 1937. Japanese aggression against it's neighbor continued to escalate each year adding to the distinct possibility that actions against foreign powers who had military and civilian personnel in China might inadvertently draw them into the fray. The US Asiatic Fleet was a force present along the Chinese coast and in some of their rivers. US warships were frequent visitors to coastal cities ostensibly to protect US interests and citizens. On 01 Sep 1939, World War II in Europe began. The quick successes of Germany and her allies against Allied forces in Europe emboldened the militarists of Japan.
Japanese aggression continued to increase in East Asia during 1940 forcing many foreign governments to begin withdrawing their ground based forces and the majority of the naval forces, as well as, evacuating military and civilian expatriates from China. On 28 Apr, Peary steamed out of Manila Bay bound for Hong Kong for some "showing the flag" as the Japanese were becoming ever increasingly bellicose. After visiting several ports along the China coast, Peary got underway from Tsingtao, China on 24 June 1940 steaming back to Manila.
By autumn of 1940, the unstable international situation in the region and Japan's persistent aggression made the presence of the Asiatic Fleet ships untenable, so Adm. Thomas C. Hart, the Commander in Chief, U.S. Asiatic Fleet, ordered the withdrawal of all major Navy blue-water ships from China on 21 October 1940, leaving only the gunboats on the Yangtze. When Peary departed from Shanghai a short time later, it would mark the end of the US Navy's blue-water ships presence in Chinese ports. As the Asiatic Fleet reduced its presence in China, Peary's operations indefinitely shifted to the Philippine Archipelago. During 1941, the bulk of her activities included training and patrols around the Philippine Islands.
Admiral Hart had begun evacuating all of the families of his sailors home in the fall of 1940. There was push-back from the resentful spouses who initially declined to leave their husbands. It was only a threat to indefinitely restrict their spouses to their ships without leave that finally convinced the families; it was time to comply with orders and return to the continental United States (CONUS). Many traveled home on the President's Steam Ship Line. Admiral Hart's directive probably saved many family members from internment by the Japanese or worse. For many of the married and unmarried sailors alike, it was the last time they would ever see their families.
The threat of hostilities between the United States and Japan grew closer to the boiling point as the year 1941 began. Then, in July 1941, as Japanese aggression intensified with their move south into lower Indo-China, Admiral Hart warned his officers that he had no doubt that war would come although he didn't know how or when it would start. Hart trained his destroyer crews hard keeping them on a war-footing for extended periods and away from Cavite naval base as much as possible exercising his "defensive deployment."
On Tuesday, 25 November 1941, two days in advance of the "war warning" from the Navy Department which predicted that hostile Japanese action in the Pacific was imminent, Admiral Hart, directed his ships including destroyer tender USS Black Hawk (AD-9), and other ships of Destroyer Squadron Twenty-Nine (DesRon) 29, to get underway and exercise his "Defensive Deployment" well south of Manila. The ships arrived on the morning of 29 Nov 1941 in Balikpapan, a major oil port on the eastern coast of Borneo. Some ships remained at Cavite for operational purposes. USS Peary (DD-226) was one of four destroyers to remain in Cavite with the USS Pillsbury (DD-227), USS Pope (DD-225) and USS John D. Ford (DD-228).
Govern Yourself Accordingly
On 7 December 1941 [8 December east of the International date Line], the Japanese onslaught began across a wide area, from the Far East to Pearl Harbor. When word was received that the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor. Adm Hart direct his forces to "Govern Yourself Accordingly." Several days later all hell broke loose at Manila Bay! Wednesday morning, 10 Dec 1941 in Manila broke with clear skies. Just passed high noon and without warning, scores of Japanese fighters and bombers appeared overhead and commenced to wreak havoc on the naval facilities and ships still inport. When the attack was over, most of the naval base was reduced to rubble. Peary had been struck by a bomb which caused extensive damage. A number of her crew were killed, wounded and missing further reducing her manning complement further below acceptable levels.
After the 10 Dec attack, Peary's remaining crew set to work repairing their ship. It was a Herculean effort performed by the crew in conjunction with the facilities of Atlantic Gulf and Pacific Company to effect the minimum repairs in order to make Peary sea-worthy. Because a large number of Peary's crew were lost, a call for replacements was made by Peary's CO to COMAF and Commandant, Sixteenth Naval District (COM16ND) in Manila. Many sailors from other commands would be transferred to Peary over the next several weeks to help fill her manning shortages. On 23 Dec 1941, Peary got underway on her first war mission; an antisubmarine patrol assignment in the Verde Island Passage between Luzon and the Philippine island of Mindoro. She returned to port late on 24 Dec. On Christmas Day, she made passenger pick-up and delivery runs to Corregidor and Manila.
The day after Christmas 1941, the CO's of Pillsbury and Peary were ashore at a conference with COM16ND, Admiral Rockwell, to discuss releasing their ships to join other US forces in the Netherlands East Indies when enemy bombers suddenly appeared overhead. Peary was attacked by five flights of Japanese high level bombers. Each flight consisted of between 6 to 9 planes. Peary's new CO, Lt Bermingham, watched from ashore as his new executive officer, Lt Martin M. Koivisto, skillfully maneuvered Peary around Manila Bay dodging bomb after bomb for several hours. Though she suffered a few near misses, Peary emerged virtually unscathed. Later that evening, Peary and Pillsbury were ordered to put to sea and proceed south by the best route and join Task Force 5 at Soerabaja, Java. For safety, each ship was to proceed independently.
Peary's voyage south was eventful and dangerous as the Japanese held mastery of the air and sea. Intelligence information provided to Peary just after her departure from Manila indicated that Japanese warships probably lurked along her intended route to Surabaja. Peary's CO changed her track and destination to Darwin, Australia. Peary traveled only by night and during the day she was brought close to shore and tied up to trees and covered with palm fronds and green paint in order to blend with the flora of the various islands. Several times, Japanese bombers flew overhead but did not detect the ship.
About 0800, 28 Dec, Peary sighted a large Japanese four-engine seaplane shadowing her. It was a Kawanishi HK6 "Mavis" flying boat. About 1400, three more Mavis' joined and the attacks began with each plane making two runs dropping a single bomb estimated at 500 pounds. During the attacks, gun crews on Peary kept up continuous fire at the enemy planes. She maneuvered successfully avoiding the bombs while her gun crews threw up a curtain of anti-aircraft fire.
Finally, after the flying boats completed their attacks, two twin engine, single wing torpedo planes appeared and commenced an attack on Peary dropping two torpedoes off the port bow and two off the port quarter. Again, the skipper maneuvered the ship out of danger. However, after dropping their ordnance, the enemy torpedo planes returned to fired several strafing bursts which struck the stacks. They were driven off by heavy shipboard machine gun fire.
About 1800, off Kema Island in the Bangka Strait, three Australian Lockheed Hudson patrol bombers were sighted approaching from astern. The aircraft challenged Peary via signal light and she responded. The pilot was seen to wave his arm. However, one of the planes assumed a glide bombing profile. Peary's anti-aircraft batteries opened fire and began maneuvering radically. One of her crewman lost his balance and fell overboard (he was picked up by a fisherman, but was turned over to the Japanese. He worked in a mine in Japan and was repatriated at the end of the war.).
Each Hudson made two attacks dropping a single 250 pound shrapnel bomb. There were no direct hits but near misses caused extensive damage. Peary was hit in various places topside and in the engineering spaces. The shrapnel hit in the engineering spaces and knocked one of Peary's two main engines out of commission. One crewman was killed when he was struck by shrapnel (S1c Kenneth E. Quinaux, a machine gunner, was buried at sea during services at 2000 on 29 Dec 1941.). Prior to departing, each Hudson made a strafing run on the ship. It was learned later that the Australian aircraft had misidentified the US ships because of their resemblance to a class of Japanese warship.
Peary anchored at Port Darwin at 0840, 03 Jan 1942 after a 2100 mile plus transit from Manila, Philippines to Darwin, Australia. Within a week of arriving at Darwin, twenty-eight enlisted men and officers became ill with a virulent form of Malaria or Dengue Fever, contracted when the ship anchored off remote Maitara Island near Ternate in the Halmakeras. It had been necessary to stop there to make repairs after being attacked by Australian aircraft. Eventually eight men would die from the diseases.
Peary received tender availability services from USS Black Hawk (AD-9) to affect temporary repairs and make Peary seaworthy. Those repairs were completed on 22 Jan 1942. Peary then assumed submarine escort duties.
On 29 Jan 1942, Peary steamed from Darwin bound for the island of Timor on a secret mission. She was to deliver a "special duty" contingent of sixteen US Army personnel, 100 drums (5300 gal) of avgas and 50 gallons of lube oil after midnight on 31 Jan 1942 to a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) field. The fuel and lubricant was to be used by US Army Air Force P-40s in the defense of Java. Five Peary crewmen manned the motor whaleboat used to ferry the men and cargo ashore. Problems quickly developed. As the boat approached the shore it went aground and due to broaching seas it could not be towed clear. Because of the high sea state, it was not possible to remove the crew or return to them to the ship. The motor whaleboat crew were left ashore until such time as the tides shifted and seas moderated before they could be returned to the ship.
She resumed her anti-submarine escort duties for USS Langley (AV-3) from Darwin to Fremantle, Australia between 08-13 Feb 1942, and she steamed with USS Houston escorting a Darwin-Koepang convoy from 14 to 18 Feb 1942. She was also searching for an elusive Japanese submarine contact which reduced her fuel supply such that she had to return to Port Darwin to refuel. Her luck was about to run out.
Peary returned to Port Darwin and anchored about 0100, 19 Feb 1942. About 1045, Port Darwin was subject to a massive air attack by a combined Japanese carrier and land base force of over 200 fighters and bombers. Peary, still at anchor, was hit by five bombs. The fifth bomb, an incendiary, exploded in the after engine room opening the ship to the sea. She sank, stern first with her anti-aircraft guns still firing as the last enemy planes left the area.
Eighty-eight officers and men including the commanding officer were killed in her sinking; 57 survived, 20 of whom were wounded. F2c Schuler was initially believed to have gone down with his ship and his remains being unrecoverable. He was listed as missing in action on 19 Feb 1942.
On 10 April 1942, Max G. Schuler received a telegram from the Navy Department. It read in part; "The Navy Department deeply regrets to inform you that your son, Max Newton Schuler, Fireman Second Class, US Navy is missing following action in the performance of his duty and in the service of his country."
The following year, Max Gustav Schuler, received a letter from the Secretary of the Navy, Frank Knox, dated 17 March 1943. It read; "After a full review of all available information, I am reluctantly forced to the conclusion that your son, Max Newton Schuler, Fireman Second Class, U.S.N., is deceased, having been reported "missing in action' on the 19th day of February 1942, being a member of the crew and serving aboard the U.S.S. Peary when that vessel was sunk in the port of Darwin, Australia. In accordance with Section 5 of Public Law 490, 77th Congress, as amended, your son's death is known to have occurred on the 19th of February 1942. I extend to you my sincere sympathy in your great loss and hope you may find comfort in the knowledge that your son gave his life for his Country, upholding the highest traditions of the Navy. The Navy shares in your sense of bereavement and will feel the loss of his service."
Apparently however, Australians who manned small boats of all kinds and braved the Japanese onslaught on 19 Feb 1942 began to rescue US and Allied sailors in the water. They also retrieved the dead and brought them ashore. Apparently, Schuler may have been still alive when he was brought ashore and rushed to the newly constructed 119th (Australian) Army General Hospital (AGH) located in Berrimah about 8 miles south of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. The hospital consisted of huts and canvas tents (some photos online). There were 600 beds. During the first air raid, the hospital was strafed by Japanese planes killing one patient. Following the attacks all wards had wounded in every available bed, and outside on the verandas as well. Schuler probably died at the hospital and was buried in the Berrimah cemetery along with several other Peary sailors.
After the February air attacks, the 119th Army hospital moved in March 1942 to the town of Adelaide River about 65 miles south of Darwin where the hospital was reconstituted to serve units in the Northern Territory of Australia. Rail sidings were built at the Adelaide River rail station that brought the wounded personnel to the hospital.
In mid-1942, the Adelaide River War Cemetery was established consisting of two sections; one for service personnel and one for civilians. Schuler's remains were removed from the first grave at Berrimah to the Adelaide River cemetery and buried on 05 Sept 1942 in grave #9, Row #1, Plot #3. About 1943, his remains were exhumed from Adelaide River Cemetery and reburied at Rookwood USAF Cemetery in Sydney, Australia. Schuler's remains were repatriated in 1946. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA on 11 Mar 1947 in Section 12, grave 1077.
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F2c Schuler was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart Medal, American Defense Service Medal w/Fleet Clasp (bronze star in lieu of clasp), Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal w/Fleet Clasp and two bronze stars (one bronze star in lieu of clasp), US Army Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Defense Medal with a bronze service star, WWII Victory Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon (retroactive 07 Dec 1942).
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Fireman Second Class Schuler's father also received a personal commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads:
In grateful memory of Max Newton SCHULER who died in the service of his country at Darwin, Australia, ATTACHED U.S.S. PEARY, 19 February 1942. He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives – in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
//s// Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America
----------------------
Transcription of Washington Post article of Wednesday, 25 Nov 1942
Fireman Max Newton Schuler, 21, of Silver Hill, MD., formerly reported missing in navy dispatches, was officially reported to be dead by the Department Monday. Schuler had lived with his father, Gustave Schuler, at Silver Hill at the house where the youthful sailor was born. He enlisted in the navy in 1939 (sic) after his graduation from Surrattsville high school. He first served on the USS Pennsylvania and then was transferred to the USS Perry (sic) which was reported sunk February 20, off Darwin. His father is an employee of the Navy Yard here. Other relatives include a younger brother, Richard, and three sisters, Mrs Mary Caputo of Bradbury Heights, Mrs Anna Stanford of Kenilworth, and Mrs Martha Caputo of Washington. Schuler was reported missing last May 15.
Evening Star (Washington, DC) – 19 Feb 1943, Fri – p.10
Schuler, Max N. In fond memory of our son and brother, Max N. Schuler, who passed away one year ago today, February 19, 1942, in the service of his country.
According to the Evening Star (Washington, DC) – 10 Mar 1948, Wed, p.12, a memorial service will be held for F2c Max Newton Schuler on 11 Mar 1948 at the Fort Myer Chapel, Arlington, VA., with military honors. The beloved son of Max and the late Jennie Cornwell Schuler. Surviving are his father, Max Schuler; his step-mother Alice Schuler: his sisters, Mrs Anna Stanford, Mrs Mary Caputo and Mrs Martha Caputo: his brother Richard; his step-sister, Mrs Marjorie Harding and his step-brother, Thomas Loarie.
Note: The precise details of F2c Schuler's death and remains recovery aren't known as of yet. Currently, his service record is on order from NARA. Hopefully the details will be contained in it. A rewrite will then be accomplished if necessary.
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Citation of Units of Both Military and Naval Forces of the United States and Philippine Governments.
--489--
As authorized by Executive Order No. 9075 (sec. II, Bull. 11, W.D., 1942), a citation in the name of the President of the United States, as public evidence of deserved honor and distinction, is awarded to all units of both military and naval forces of the United States and Philippine Governments engaged in the defense of the Philippines since December 7, 1941. (Later, it was called the US Army Presidential Unit Citation).
By order of the Secretary of War:
G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staff.
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Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation
Establishing Authority
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation was established by Headquarters, Philippine National Defense Forces, General Order Number 532 of September 14, 1946, as amended.
Acceptance by the United States
For service during World War II, acceptance is sanctioned by Public Law 80-314, which authorized the acceptance and wear of foreign decoration, medals, and awards in connection with services in World War II between the inclusive dates of December 7, 1941 and July 24, 1948.
Effective Dates
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation has been in effect since September 14, 1946.
Criteria
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation is awarded for extraordinarily meritorious service. The Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation has been awarded to United States military personnel who participated in the following:
• World War II
Service in the defense of the Philippines from December 7, 1941 to May 10, 1942.
Service in the liberation of the Philippines from October 17, 1944 to July 4, 1945.
All U.S. military units and naval vessels that earned any of the Philippine engagement stars are entitled to the Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation.
Certain submarines which maintained physical contact with guerrilla forces during the Japanese occupation of the Philippine Islands.
Online: https://rollofhonor.org/public/htmldetails.aspx?Cat=foreignaward&EntID=352
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Primary Sources:
1) Schuler, Max Newton, US Navy Service Record, The National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records (NPRC-MPR), St Louis, MO. 2023
2) Kehn, Donald M. Jr., In the Highest Degree Tragic, The Sacrifice of the U.S. Asiatic Fleet in the East Indies During World War II, Potomac Books, 2017.
3) Deck logs USS Peary retrieved 15 November 2021.
4) Northern Territory Library Roll of Honour: Browse location. www.ntlexhibit.nt.gov.au. Retrieved 20 November 2021. URL may not work.
5) Wikipedia page, USS Peary (DD-226), Retrieved 12 November 2021.
6) Wilde, E. Andrew, Jr. (Ed). U.S.S. Peary (DD-226) in World War II, Manila to Darwin, 12/10/41-2/19/42: Needham, Mass. : The Editor, 2007. http://destroyerhistory.org/assets/pdf/wilde/226Peary_wilde.pdf
7) Kehn, Donald M. Jr., A Blue Sea of Blood: deciphering the mysterious fate of the USS Edsall, Zenith Press, 2008.
8) Fold3 by Ancestry Navy Muster reports and Change reports
9) Ancestry.com Navy WWII muster and Change reports
10) Winslow, W.G. The Fleet the Gods Forgot: The United States Asiatic Fleet in World War II, Naval Institute Press, 1982.
11) Various newspaper articles
12) Cox, Jeffery R., Rising Sun, Falling Skies, Osprey Publishing, UK, 2015.
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Link to USS Peary memorial in Darwin, Australia with list of names of those lost in the sinking of the ship. It's a cenotaph. https://www.maritimequest.com/misc_pages/monuments_memorials/uss_Peary_memorial.htm
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Bio sketch #424 compiled on 15 June 2023 by Gerry Lawton
Military Hall of Honor ID# 334904
Find a Grave Memorial #49310277
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Max served as a Fireman, Second Class, U.S.S. Peary (DD-226), U.S. Navy during World War II.
He resided in Maryland, in the District of Columbia area, prior to the war.
Max was "Killed In Action" when the Peary was attacked by Japanese dive bombers, and was struck by five bombs and sank off the coast of Darwin, Australia during the war. He was awarded a Purple Heart.
He was originally interred in Australia and was later repatriated here on March 11, 1947
Service # 2563500
( Bio by: Russell S. "Russ" Pickett )
Max G. was native to Bernburg, Germany. He served in 1911 as a Private in the German Artillery prior to WWI. An unmarried Max immigrated to America on board the S.S. President Grant that departed Hamburg, Germany on 02 Nov 1913 and arrived in the Port of New York on 14 Nov 1913 where he disembarked and made his way to Maryland. Max obtained work as a laborer in the florist industry working in the fields and greenhouses. Max registered for the WWI draft in Washington, DC on 05 Sept 1917. He stated that he was a declarant for naturalization; his occupation was florist employed in Washington, DC., and he claimed an exemption from the draft because he was married with a child under 12 years of age. As the 1920s progressed so did the size of Max's family. They continued to live in the proximity of Suitland, Prince George's, Maryland not too distant from what is today Andrews Air Force Base. According to the 1930 US Census for Spaulding, MD Max owned a home valued at $8500.00 that was on a farm. He had become a naturalized citizen and was a laborer on a Florist farm. Their last child, Richard Paul, was born to Max and Jane, six months after the census was taken and almost a year after the beginning of the Great Depression on 29 Oct 1929 known as "Black Thursday."
With a family of four young children and a new born and a flagging economy the economic situation must have been challenging at best. To make the situation worse, tragedy occurred to the family in late January 1932 when Jane was accidentally struck in the forehead by a rake handle that caused injuries that led to her death on 13 Feb 1932. Left with five children the oldest being about 16 and the youngest about 2 years old, Max was faced with a daunting challenge on how to provide for his family and keep them together. By 1940, according to the US census, Max and his flock were still together with the addition of two son-in-laws and two granddaughters, 1 year old Jennie Caputo and three year old Patricia Sanford. Two of his daughters were married and a third was about to be. Max G was employed as a car washer at a garage while the two sons-in-law also contributed to family support. Max N. was employed as a painter for a contractor.
The 1940 US Census also records that Max N., had completed the 8th grade in school (According to a 25 Nov 1942 Washington Post article, Max graduated from Surrattsville High School in 1939). Like many of his contemporaries who wished to help with family finances, he also had one eye on the war that now was engulfing Europe, Max was restless. Having reached 18 years old, Max was soon lured to the opportunities available in the US military services. A steady income to help the family with expenses, adventure and the chance to learn a trade and just plain patriotism pulled strongly on many youth of the day including Max. He submitted a US Navy application for enlistment in early spring of 1940 at the local Naval Recruiting Station (NRS) in Washington, DC where he completed preliminary entrance examinations, submitted personal references, completed administrative paperwork and passed background checks. Most importantly, he obtained his father's permission to enlist.
After passing his physical and dental exams, Max enlisted in the US Navy (NSN:256-35-00) on 17 July 1940 in Washington, DC as an Apprentice Seaman. He agreed to serve six years of active duty. His beginning pay was $21.00 per month. He was sent to the Naval Training Station, Hampton Roads, VA for 8 weeks of recruit training. After he graduated from recruit training, AS Schuler was granted 10 days of leave to visit family and friends before being assigned to a service Class "A" school or to a ship of the US Fleet.
After he returned from leave AS Schuler was assigned to duty on board the battle ship, USS Pennsylvania (BB-38). On 11 Oct 1940, AS Schuler reported for duty on Pennsylvania. Later that year in Nov, Schuler advanced in rate to Seaman Second Class (S2c). S2c Schuler's tour of duty on board Pennsylvania was very brief. On 18 Jan 1941, S2c Schuler transferred to the Receiving Station, Pearl Harbor for further transfer (FFT) to the transport ship, USS Chaumont (AP-5) for FFT to Asiatic Station in Manila for assignment. Several days later on 21 Jan 1941, S2c Schuler transferred to Chaumont for his ride across the Pacific via stops at Wake Island, Guam and finally Manila arriving on 10 Feb 1941. He disembarked from Chaumont and reported for duty to the destroyer, USS Peary (DD-226) later that day. After reporting on board Peary, Max ask for permission to change his career path from Seaman to Fireman. His request was approved. On 07 May 1941, Schuler changed rate from Seaman 2c to Fireman Third Class (F3c). On 15 Nov 1941, Schuler advanced in rate to Fireman Second Class (F2c).
PRELUDE TO WAR.
Overt hostilities between China and Japan began after the Marco Polo Bridge incident of 07 July 1937. Japanese aggression against it's neighbor continued to escalate each year adding to the distinct possibility that actions against foreign powers who had military and civilian personnel in China might inadvertently draw them into the fray. The US Asiatic Fleet was a force present along the Chinese coast and in some of their rivers. US warships were frequent visitors to coastal cities ostensibly to protect US interests and citizens. On 01 Sep 1939, World War II in Europe began. The quick successes of Germany and her allies against Allied forces in Europe emboldened the militarists of Japan.
Japanese aggression continued to increase in East Asia during 1940 forcing many foreign governments to begin withdrawing their ground based forces and the majority of the naval forces, as well as, evacuating military and civilian expatriates from China. On 28 Apr, Peary steamed out of Manila Bay bound for Hong Kong for some "showing the flag" as the Japanese were becoming ever increasingly bellicose. After visiting several ports along the China coast, Peary got underway from Tsingtao, China on 24 June 1940 steaming back to Manila.
By autumn of 1940, the unstable international situation in the region and Japan's persistent aggression made the presence of the Asiatic Fleet ships untenable, so Adm. Thomas C. Hart, the Commander in Chief, U.S. Asiatic Fleet, ordered the withdrawal of all major Navy blue-water ships from China on 21 October 1940, leaving only the gunboats on the Yangtze. When Peary departed from Shanghai a short time later, it would mark the end of the US Navy's blue-water ships presence in Chinese ports. As the Asiatic Fleet reduced its presence in China, Peary's operations indefinitely shifted to the Philippine Archipelago. During 1941, the bulk of her activities included training and patrols around the Philippine Islands.
Admiral Hart had begun evacuating all of the families of his sailors home in the fall of 1940. There was push-back from the resentful spouses who initially declined to leave their husbands. It was only a threat to indefinitely restrict their spouses to their ships without leave that finally convinced the families; it was time to comply with orders and return to the continental United States (CONUS). Many traveled home on the President's Steam Ship Line. Admiral Hart's directive probably saved many family members from internment by the Japanese or worse. For many of the married and unmarried sailors alike, it was the last time they would ever see their families.
The threat of hostilities between the United States and Japan grew closer to the boiling point as the year 1941 began. Then, in July 1941, as Japanese aggression intensified with their move south into lower Indo-China, Admiral Hart warned his officers that he had no doubt that war would come although he didn't know how or when it would start. Hart trained his destroyer crews hard keeping them on a war-footing for extended periods and away from Cavite naval base as much as possible exercising his "defensive deployment."
On Tuesday, 25 November 1941, two days in advance of the "war warning" from the Navy Department which predicted that hostile Japanese action in the Pacific was imminent, Admiral Hart, directed his ships including destroyer tender USS Black Hawk (AD-9), and other ships of Destroyer Squadron Twenty-Nine (DesRon) 29, to get underway and exercise his "Defensive Deployment" well south of Manila. The ships arrived on the morning of 29 Nov 1941 in Balikpapan, a major oil port on the eastern coast of Borneo. Some ships remained at Cavite for operational purposes. USS Peary (DD-226) was one of four destroyers to remain in Cavite with the USS Pillsbury (DD-227), USS Pope (DD-225) and USS John D. Ford (DD-228).
Govern Yourself Accordingly
On 7 December 1941 [8 December east of the International date Line], the Japanese onslaught began across a wide area, from the Far East to Pearl Harbor. When word was received that the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor. Adm Hart direct his forces to "Govern Yourself Accordingly." Several days later all hell broke loose at Manila Bay! Wednesday morning, 10 Dec 1941 in Manila broke with clear skies. Just passed high noon and without warning, scores of Japanese fighters and bombers appeared overhead and commenced to wreak havoc on the naval facilities and ships still inport. When the attack was over, most of the naval base was reduced to rubble. Peary had been struck by a bomb which caused extensive damage. A number of her crew were killed, wounded and missing further reducing her manning complement further below acceptable levels.
After the 10 Dec attack, Peary's remaining crew set to work repairing their ship. It was a Herculean effort performed by the crew in conjunction with the facilities of Atlantic Gulf and Pacific Company to effect the minimum repairs in order to make Peary sea-worthy. Because a large number of Peary's crew were lost, a call for replacements was made by Peary's CO to COMAF and Commandant, Sixteenth Naval District (COM16ND) in Manila. Many sailors from other commands would be transferred to Peary over the next several weeks to help fill her manning shortages. On 23 Dec 1941, Peary got underway on her first war mission; an antisubmarine patrol assignment in the Verde Island Passage between Luzon and the Philippine island of Mindoro. She returned to port late on 24 Dec. On Christmas Day, she made passenger pick-up and delivery runs to Corregidor and Manila.
The day after Christmas 1941, the CO's of Pillsbury and Peary were ashore at a conference with COM16ND, Admiral Rockwell, to discuss releasing their ships to join other US forces in the Netherlands East Indies when enemy bombers suddenly appeared overhead. Peary was attacked by five flights of Japanese high level bombers. Each flight consisted of between 6 to 9 planes. Peary's new CO, Lt Bermingham, watched from ashore as his new executive officer, Lt Martin M. Koivisto, skillfully maneuvered Peary around Manila Bay dodging bomb after bomb for several hours. Though she suffered a few near misses, Peary emerged virtually unscathed. Later that evening, Peary and Pillsbury were ordered to put to sea and proceed south by the best route and join Task Force 5 at Soerabaja, Java. For safety, each ship was to proceed independently.
Peary's voyage south was eventful and dangerous as the Japanese held mastery of the air and sea. Intelligence information provided to Peary just after her departure from Manila indicated that Japanese warships probably lurked along her intended route to Surabaja. Peary's CO changed her track and destination to Darwin, Australia. Peary traveled only by night and during the day she was brought close to shore and tied up to trees and covered with palm fronds and green paint in order to blend with the flora of the various islands. Several times, Japanese bombers flew overhead but did not detect the ship.
About 0800, 28 Dec, Peary sighted a large Japanese four-engine seaplane shadowing her. It was a Kawanishi HK6 "Mavis" flying boat. About 1400, three more Mavis' joined and the attacks began with each plane making two runs dropping a single bomb estimated at 500 pounds. During the attacks, gun crews on Peary kept up continuous fire at the enemy planes. She maneuvered successfully avoiding the bombs while her gun crews threw up a curtain of anti-aircraft fire.
Finally, after the flying boats completed their attacks, two twin engine, single wing torpedo planes appeared and commenced an attack on Peary dropping two torpedoes off the port bow and two off the port quarter. Again, the skipper maneuvered the ship out of danger. However, after dropping their ordnance, the enemy torpedo planes returned to fired several strafing bursts which struck the stacks. They were driven off by heavy shipboard machine gun fire.
About 1800, off Kema Island in the Bangka Strait, three Australian Lockheed Hudson patrol bombers were sighted approaching from astern. The aircraft challenged Peary via signal light and she responded. The pilot was seen to wave his arm. However, one of the planes assumed a glide bombing profile. Peary's anti-aircraft batteries opened fire and began maneuvering radically. One of her crewman lost his balance and fell overboard (he was picked up by a fisherman, but was turned over to the Japanese. He worked in a mine in Japan and was repatriated at the end of the war.).
Each Hudson made two attacks dropping a single 250 pound shrapnel bomb. There were no direct hits but near misses caused extensive damage. Peary was hit in various places topside and in the engineering spaces. The shrapnel hit in the engineering spaces and knocked one of Peary's two main engines out of commission. One crewman was killed when he was struck by shrapnel (S1c Kenneth E. Quinaux, a machine gunner, was buried at sea during services at 2000 on 29 Dec 1941.). Prior to departing, each Hudson made a strafing run on the ship. It was learned later that the Australian aircraft had misidentified the US ships because of their resemblance to a class of Japanese warship.
Peary anchored at Port Darwin at 0840, 03 Jan 1942 after a 2100 mile plus transit from Manila, Philippines to Darwin, Australia. Within a week of arriving at Darwin, twenty-eight enlisted men and officers became ill with a virulent form of Malaria or Dengue Fever, contracted when the ship anchored off remote Maitara Island near Ternate in the Halmakeras. It had been necessary to stop there to make repairs after being attacked by Australian aircraft. Eventually eight men would die from the diseases.
Peary received tender availability services from USS Black Hawk (AD-9) to affect temporary repairs and make Peary seaworthy. Those repairs were completed on 22 Jan 1942. Peary then assumed submarine escort duties.
On 29 Jan 1942, Peary steamed from Darwin bound for the island of Timor on a secret mission. She was to deliver a "special duty" contingent of sixteen US Army personnel, 100 drums (5300 gal) of avgas and 50 gallons of lube oil after midnight on 31 Jan 1942 to a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) field. The fuel and lubricant was to be used by US Army Air Force P-40s in the defense of Java. Five Peary crewmen manned the motor whaleboat used to ferry the men and cargo ashore. Problems quickly developed. As the boat approached the shore it went aground and due to broaching seas it could not be towed clear. Because of the high sea state, it was not possible to remove the crew or return to them to the ship. The motor whaleboat crew were left ashore until such time as the tides shifted and seas moderated before they could be returned to the ship.
She resumed her anti-submarine escort duties for USS Langley (AV-3) from Darwin to Fremantle, Australia between 08-13 Feb 1942, and she steamed with USS Houston escorting a Darwin-Koepang convoy from 14 to 18 Feb 1942. She was also searching for an elusive Japanese submarine contact which reduced her fuel supply such that she had to return to Port Darwin to refuel. Her luck was about to run out.
Peary returned to Port Darwin and anchored about 0100, 19 Feb 1942. About 1045, Port Darwin was subject to a massive air attack by a combined Japanese carrier and land base force of over 200 fighters and bombers. Peary, still at anchor, was hit by five bombs. The fifth bomb, an incendiary, exploded in the after engine room opening the ship to the sea. She sank, stern first with her anti-aircraft guns still firing as the last enemy planes left the area.
Eighty-eight officers and men including the commanding officer were killed in her sinking; 57 survived, 20 of whom were wounded. F2c Schuler was initially believed to have gone down with his ship and his remains being unrecoverable. He was listed as missing in action on 19 Feb 1942.
On 10 April 1942, Max G. Schuler received a telegram from the Navy Department. It read in part; "The Navy Department deeply regrets to inform you that your son, Max Newton Schuler, Fireman Second Class, US Navy is missing following action in the performance of his duty and in the service of his country."
The following year, Max Gustav Schuler, received a letter from the Secretary of the Navy, Frank Knox, dated 17 March 1943. It read; "After a full review of all available information, I am reluctantly forced to the conclusion that your son, Max Newton Schuler, Fireman Second Class, U.S.N., is deceased, having been reported "missing in action' on the 19th day of February 1942, being a member of the crew and serving aboard the U.S.S. Peary when that vessel was sunk in the port of Darwin, Australia. In accordance with Section 5 of Public Law 490, 77th Congress, as amended, your son's death is known to have occurred on the 19th of February 1942. I extend to you my sincere sympathy in your great loss and hope you may find comfort in the knowledge that your son gave his life for his Country, upholding the highest traditions of the Navy. The Navy shares in your sense of bereavement and will feel the loss of his service."
Apparently however, Australians who manned small boats of all kinds and braved the Japanese onslaught on 19 Feb 1942 began to rescue US and Allied sailors in the water. They also retrieved the dead and brought them ashore. Apparently, Schuler may have been still alive when he was brought ashore and rushed to the newly constructed 119th (Australian) Army General Hospital (AGH) located in Berrimah about 8 miles south of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. The hospital consisted of huts and canvas tents (some photos online). There were 600 beds. During the first air raid, the hospital was strafed by Japanese planes killing one patient. Following the attacks all wards had wounded in every available bed, and outside on the verandas as well. Schuler probably died at the hospital and was buried in the Berrimah cemetery along with several other Peary sailors.
After the February air attacks, the 119th Army hospital moved in March 1942 to the town of Adelaide River about 65 miles south of Darwin where the hospital was reconstituted to serve units in the Northern Territory of Australia. Rail sidings were built at the Adelaide River rail station that brought the wounded personnel to the hospital.
In mid-1942, the Adelaide River War Cemetery was established consisting of two sections; one for service personnel and one for civilians. Schuler's remains were removed from the first grave at Berrimah to the Adelaide River cemetery and buried on 05 Sept 1942 in grave #9, Row #1, Plot #3. About 1943, his remains were exhumed from Adelaide River Cemetery and reburied at Rookwood USAF Cemetery in Sydney, Australia. Schuler's remains were repatriated in 1946. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA on 11 Mar 1947 in Section 12, grave 1077.
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F2c Schuler was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart Medal, American Defense Service Medal w/Fleet Clasp (bronze star in lieu of clasp), Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal w/Fleet Clasp and two bronze stars (one bronze star in lieu of clasp), US Army Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Defense Medal with a bronze service star, WWII Victory Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon (retroactive 07 Dec 1942).
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Fireman Second Class Schuler's father also received a personal commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads:
In grateful memory of Max Newton SCHULER who died in the service of his country at Darwin, Australia, ATTACHED U.S.S. PEARY, 19 February 1942. He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives – in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
//s// Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America
----------------------
Transcription of Washington Post article of Wednesday, 25 Nov 1942
Fireman Max Newton Schuler, 21, of Silver Hill, MD., formerly reported missing in navy dispatches, was officially reported to be dead by the Department Monday. Schuler had lived with his father, Gustave Schuler, at Silver Hill at the house where the youthful sailor was born. He enlisted in the navy in 1939 (sic) after his graduation from Surrattsville high school. He first served on the USS Pennsylvania and then was transferred to the USS Perry (sic) which was reported sunk February 20, off Darwin. His father is an employee of the Navy Yard here. Other relatives include a younger brother, Richard, and three sisters, Mrs Mary Caputo of Bradbury Heights, Mrs Anna Stanford of Kenilworth, and Mrs Martha Caputo of Washington. Schuler was reported missing last May 15.
Evening Star (Washington, DC) – 19 Feb 1943, Fri – p.10
Schuler, Max N. In fond memory of our son and brother, Max N. Schuler, who passed away one year ago today, February 19, 1942, in the service of his country.
According to the Evening Star (Washington, DC) – 10 Mar 1948, Wed, p.12, a memorial service will be held for F2c Max Newton Schuler on 11 Mar 1948 at the Fort Myer Chapel, Arlington, VA., with military honors. The beloved son of Max and the late Jennie Cornwell Schuler. Surviving are his father, Max Schuler; his step-mother Alice Schuler: his sisters, Mrs Anna Stanford, Mrs Mary Caputo and Mrs Martha Caputo: his brother Richard; his step-sister, Mrs Marjorie Harding and his step-brother, Thomas Loarie.
Note: The precise details of F2c Schuler's death and remains recovery aren't known as of yet. Currently, his service record is on order from NARA. Hopefully the details will be contained in it. A rewrite will then be accomplished if necessary.
--------------------------------
Citation of Units of Both Military and Naval Forces of the United States and Philippine Governments.
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As authorized by Executive Order No. 9075 (sec. II, Bull. 11, W.D., 1942), a citation in the name of the President of the United States, as public evidence of deserved honor and distinction, is awarded to all units of both military and naval forces of the United States and Philippine Governments engaged in the defense of the Philippines since December 7, 1941. (Later, it was called the US Army Presidential Unit Citation).
By order of the Secretary of War:
G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staff.
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Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation
Establishing Authority
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation was established by Headquarters, Philippine National Defense Forces, General Order Number 532 of September 14, 1946, as amended.
Acceptance by the United States
For service during World War II, acceptance is sanctioned by Public Law 80-314, which authorized the acceptance and wear of foreign decoration, medals, and awards in connection with services in World War II between the inclusive dates of December 7, 1941 and July 24, 1948.
Effective Dates
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation has been in effect since September 14, 1946.
Criteria
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation is awarded for extraordinarily meritorious service. The Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation has been awarded to United States military personnel who participated in the following:
• World War II
Service in the defense of the Philippines from December 7, 1941 to May 10, 1942.
Service in the liberation of the Philippines from October 17, 1944 to July 4, 1945.
All U.S. military units and naval vessels that earned any of the Philippine engagement stars are entitled to the Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation.
Certain submarines which maintained physical contact with guerrilla forces during the Japanese occupation of the Philippine Islands.
Online: https://rollofhonor.org/public/htmldetails.aspx?Cat=foreignaward&EntID=352
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Primary Sources:
1) Schuler, Max Newton, US Navy Service Record, The National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records (NPRC-MPR), St Louis, MO. 2023
2) Kehn, Donald M. Jr., In the Highest Degree Tragic, The Sacrifice of the U.S. Asiatic Fleet in the East Indies During World War II, Potomac Books, 2017.
3) Deck logs USS Peary retrieved 15 November 2021.
4) Northern Territory Library Roll of Honour: Browse location. www.ntlexhibit.nt.gov.au. Retrieved 20 November 2021. URL may not work.
5) Wikipedia page, USS Peary (DD-226), Retrieved 12 November 2021.
6) Wilde, E. Andrew, Jr. (Ed). U.S.S. Peary (DD-226) in World War II, Manila to Darwin, 12/10/41-2/19/42: Needham, Mass. : The Editor, 2007. http://destroyerhistory.org/assets/pdf/wilde/226Peary_wilde.pdf
7) Kehn, Donald M. Jr., A Blue Sea of Blood: deciphering the mysterious fate of the USS Edsall, Zenith Press, 2008.
8) Fold3 by Ancestry Navy Muster reports and Change reports
9) Ancestry.com Navy WWII muster and Change reports
10) Winslow, W.G. The Fleet the Gods Forgot: The United States Asiatic Fleet in World War II, Naval Institute Press, 1982.
11) Various newspaper articles
12) Cox, Jeffery R., Rising Sun, Falling Skies, Osprey Publishing, UK, 2015.
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Link to USS Peary memorial in Darwin, Australia with list of names of those lost in the sinking of the ship. It's a cenotaph. https://www.maritimequest.com/misc_pages/monuments_memorials/uss_Peary_memorial.htm
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Bio sketch #424 compiled on 15 June 2023 by Gerry Lawton
Military Hall of Honor ID# 334904
Find a Grave Memorial #49310277
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Max served as a Fireman, Second Class, U.S.S. Peary (DD-226), U.S. Navy during World War II.
He resided in Maryland, in the District of Columbia area, prior to the war.
Max was "Killed In Action" when the Peary was attacked by Japanese dive bombers, and was struck by five bombs and sank off the coast of Darwin, Australia during the war. He was awarded a Purple Heart.
He was originally interred in Australia and was later repatriated here on March 11, 1947
Service # 2563500
( Bio by: Russell S. "Russ" Pickett )
