Schism v. United States
Lt. Col. William Oscar 'Sam' Schism was a decorated combat Veteran of the US Navy and US Air Force and served in WWII, Korean War, Vietnam.
Schism served in the United States Air Special Operations Command, 4th Air Commando Squadron, 7th Special Operations Squadron and for OSI.
HIs combat and special operation experiences, specifically during the Vietnam conflict, were highlighted in 'Call Sign: Spectre by Jeff Noecker'[1] and 'Spectre Gunner by David M. Burns' [2]
Schism also appeared in the documentary series DC Wings Over Vietnam[3]
Schism was the aircraft commander (AC) of the Lockheed AC-130A gunship 'The First Lady' (also known as 'The Arbitrator') and while on a 'truck hunt mission' in March 1971, flown out of The Royal Thai Air Force base in Ubon Thailand, the aircraft took a direct hit from enemy AA over the Ho Chi Minh Trail resulting in a crash landing with zero casualties and full aircraft recovery[4]. Schism was awarded the United States Distinguished Flying Cross for this mission[5]. The 'First Lady' is now on display at the US Air Force Armament Museum located in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
In 1998, Schism and fellow plaintiff Robert Reinlie (Schism vs the United States) sued the United States to ensure the Military Benefits promised for service would continue. They were represented by Brigadier General and Medal of Honor Recipient George "Bud" Day. The case went to the United States Supreme Court, which ruled that any relief needed to come from Congress:
"We understand and appreciate the dissatisfaction of the plaintiffs with the change in the retirement pay system, as they have rendered long and faithful service to our country in time of peace and war. However, if they are to get any relief, it must come from Congress, as this is not within [a court's] jurisdiction."[6]
| Distinguished Flying Cross | Meritorious Service Medal | Air Medal (Awarded 11 times, two Silver Oak leaf Clusters) | Air Force Commendation Medal (Awarded 2 times one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster) |
| Air Force Presidential Unit Citation | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for Valor (Awarded 3 Times, One Gold V) | Combat Readiness Medal | Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal WWII Ribbon (Two Battle Stars) |
| American Campaign Medal | World War II Victory Medal | World War II Occupation Medal | Navy China Service Medal |
| National Defense Service Medal (One Battle Star) | Vietnam Service Medal (Three Battle Stars) | Air Force Longevity Service Award (Awarded 3 times three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters) | Armed Forces Reserve Medal |
| Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon | Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation | Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal |
This sandbox is in the article namespace. Either move this page into your userspace, or remove the {{User sandbox}} template.
Lt. Col William 'Sam' Schism
 | This article, Schism v. United States, has recently been created via the Articles for creation process. Please check to see if the reviewer has accidentally left this template after accepting the draft and take appropriate action as necessary.
Reviewer tools: Inform author |
- ^ www.amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/Callsign-Spectre-Jeff-Noecker/dp/1462004822. Retrieved 2019-07-04.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ Noble, Barnes &. "Spectre Gunner: The AC-130 Gunship|NOOK Book". Barnes & Noble. Retrieved 2019-07-04.
- ^ Oscar Albert (2014-06-01), DC Wings Over Vietnam The Missions 5of8 Spookies Spectres and Shadows, retrieved 2019-07-04
- ^ www.amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/Callsign-Spectre-Jeff-Noecker/dp/1462004822. Retrieved 2019-07-04.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ www.amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/Callsign-Spectre-Jeff-Noecker/dp/1462004822. Retrieved 2019-07-04.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ "Schism v. United States - Opposition". www.justice.gov. 2014-10-21. Retrieved 2019-07-04.