Donald Adolph Schifla (1915 - 1978)

Born 2 Jan 1915 in New York, United States

Ancestors

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Biography

Donald "Cobb" Schifla, 64, the son of the late William and Theresa Schifla of Clark Street, died at the Veterans' Administration Hospital in Buffalo, where he had been a patient for 12 days.

He was the brother of Mrs. Albert Hamilton of Corfu, NY; Willard of Grove City, FL; and the late Charles Schifla of Lancaster. A 1934 graduate of Lancaster High School, he attended John Carroll University where he majored in physical education.

"Cobb" played professional baseball for three years in the Canadian American and Pony Leagues prior to enlisting in the Marine Corps April 29, 1941. Mr. Schifla served with the First Marine Division which was cited by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943 for "outstanding gallantry and determination of an inspiring order" in their effort to secure and hold strategic positions on Guadalcanal, the British Solomon Islands. it was during this engagement that he received his first of two Purple Heart Awards.

He participated throughout the Pacific Theater of Operation for the remainder of World War II.

Electing to continue his career in the Marine Corps, he served in the Korean Conflict as an Infantry Unit Leader; was attached to the American Legation in Damascus, Syria; and served on the Inspector and Instructor Staff in Albuquerque, New Mexico, among other assignments. After 20 years of active duty, Mr. Schifla was placed on permanent disability retirement.

During his service, Mr. Schifla received six Good Conduct Awards, two Purple Hearts, the Asiatic Pacific Medal, American Defense Medal, China Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Medal, Conspicuous Service Award and Navy Unit Commendation among others. He was cited for meritorious service for his organization and supervision of the Toys for Tots Repair Center in Albuquerque.

Mr. Schifla returned to Lancaster, in 1973 and lived at 19 Clark St.until his death. Hew was a member of the Lancaster Presbyterian Church, Twin Village Post No. 463 V.F.W., and a live member of the First Marine Division Association. He was buried in the Lancaster Rural Cemetery.

Lancaster Enterprise Lancaster, NY Thursday, November 2, 1978 Page 25

Sources

See also:

• "Family Tree," database, FamilySearch (http://familysearch.org : modified 06 June 2012, 22:48), entry for Donald Schifla(PID https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/4:1:M7NK-8MN); contributed by various users.
• 1920 United States Census, Lancaster, Erie, New York, United States
• 1930 United States Census, Lancaster, Erie, New York, United States
• 1940 United States Census, Ward 1, Lancaster, Lancaster Town, Erie, New York, United States
• https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/210027891