Chasing His Purple Heart

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Donald W Schuman served with the 778th Tank Battalion during WWII. Near the Saar River, German soldiers feigned surrender before attacking his tank,  killing all members of his crew. Severely wounded and suffering extensive burns over forty percent of his body, Donald was captured and became a prisoner of war. His ordeal included painful medical treatment, imprisonment at Stalag 12A, and two attempted escapes before his liberation on March 18, 1945. Yet Donald's survival during WWII was only one chapter of an extraordinary family story.

In 1956, Donald was separated from his young son, Ed, who grew up believing his father was dead. Ed would later serve his country during the Vietnam War, unaware that his dad had survived.

In 1999, my research into our family history le to the remarkable discovery that Donald was still alive, ultimately bringing father and son together after forty three years of separation.

Chasing His Purple Heart is supported by extensive historical research including military records obtained from the National Archives and Records Administration, along with family documents and first hand accounts.