Louis N. Schwartz

Louis Schwartz served in the US Army from 1970 to 1976. He served out his time first as a member of the New York National Guard, then as a member of the New Jersey National Guard. Schwartz is the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal.

Schwartz grew up in Saratoga Springs, New York and attended college in New York City. He recalled receiving a draft notice in the mail right before graduating college in 1970. As an alternative to going to Vietnam, Schwartz looked to join the National Guard which had a waitlist at the time. However, openings were made when the New York National Guard was federalized amidst the U.S. postal strike of 1970.

Schwartz attended Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Dix in New Jersey. There, he was trained as a wheel vehicle mechanic. After completing his training, Schwartz was sent to 102nd Medical Battalion in Peekskill, New York, where he became a dispatcher for the motor pool.

After meeting his wife, Debbie, Schwartz moved to New Jersey and transferred to a New Jersey National Guard unit. Initially, he was placed with the 266th Military Police Company in Westfield, New Jersey but eventually switched over to the 5th Squadron, 117th Cavalry Regiment. There, he was sent to tank commander school and learned how to use the M48 Patton tank, which he described as dirty and poorly filtered. Schwartz explained that there were many deficiencies with the tanks the National Guard was using, and they were no match for modern Soviet tanks. He recalled thinking, “I am not going to war in this tank.” Additionally, Schwartz recalled there being many fatal incidents involving tanks during training. One soldier was run over by a tank because he pitched his tent in a tank track. Another soldier was decapitated when he forgot to lock the turret ring inside the tank.

While attending drill for the National Guard, Schwartz had a civilian job working in security. After being discharged, he became a Global Security Manager for a pharmaceutical company. While reflecting on his time in service, Schwartz stated, “It formed me as a man.” He explained that it developed him as a leader and helped him become more focused and assertive, skills that he was able to translate into his civilian career. Schwartz’s message to younger generations is simple: don’t give up.