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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

Captain Schoonover was born January 3, 1926 in Buckhorn, Illinois. He completed high school in Quincy, Illinois where following his 17th birthday he enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an Apprentice Seaman. Subsequent to "Boot Training", Aviation Machinist's Mate, Combat Aircrew, and Flight Engineers Schooling he was a crew member in TBF; PV-2 and PBM Aircraft. Serving in this capacity he participated in WWII South Pacific campaigns and was credited with downing three Japanese Aircraft. Following WWII actions and several shore assignments, he saw action in the Korean conflict flying in PB4Y 2; P4Y and P-2 Aircraft.
Captain Schoonover's unique military career spans a time frame in Naval History of 42 years that reflects innovative self growth and progress into new technologies. His early flying days saw aircraft communications using morse code spark gap keys and radio direction finders to todays sophisticated satellite transmissions. Aircraft engines have moved from reciprocating gas engines to today's powerful jets. His various tours of duty each with ever increasing responsibilities exemplify an unusual career.
He has had thirty-four duty stations which have come close to covering the world. Assignments have been throughout the Pacific from the Antarctic to Alaska, various stations in the Continental U.S., from the South Atlantic to the North Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea.
He tells sea stories which are memorable experiences. Aside from his exploits during WWII and Korea, where he was in the first combat "Black Cat" patrol squadron, he was a member of the F-4 Phantom II team winning the Cross Country Bendix Trophy Speed Race in 1961.& was one of the original 100 officers selected for the designator of Aeronautical Maintenance Duty Officers. authorized by SECNAV in 1968 Early in his career, Captain Schoonover recognized the need for additional formal academic education. He has acquired a broad educational background as both teacher and student. He holds a degree in Industrial and Logistics Management and was an honor graduate of the Air Force Institute of Technology. His military decorations and awards include: Distinguished Flying Cross Gold Star, Air Medal - 6 Stars, Purple Heart, Navy Commendation Medal Gold Star, Presidential Unit Citation - 1 Star, Navy Unit Citation - 1 Star, Good Conduct Medal - 3 Stars, China Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal - 10 Stars, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal - 3 Gold Stars, United Nations Service Medal, Phillipine Independence Medal, Phillipine Liberation Medal, Korean Presidential Medal and Air Crew Wings. Captain Schoonover is married to the former Joyce Turk of Indianapolis, Indiana. They have eight children; Christine, Cynthia, Richard II, William, Sue Ellen, Michael, Leah, David, and 19 grandchildren.all living.