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PFC William Jacob Schneider
William Jacob Schneider, born April 30, 1921 in Oak Park, Illinois, was two months old when his mother, Minnie Tessman Schneider, died unexpectedly at the age of 41. A homemaker, she left behind her husband, William N. Schneider, and four other children.
The father, a factory tool clerk, remarried in 1932 to his wife’s sister Anna.
Young Mr. Schneider attended Crane Technical High School in Chicago and Castle Heights Military Academy in Lebanon, Tennessee east of Nashville. The spring 1940 Census showed him living with his father, then a production clerk at a farm implement business, and step-mother in Chicago. He was identified as a new worker, but the Census gave no more detail.
Mr. Schneider enlisted in the Marines on April 22, 1940. He was a private first class when he was killed on the U.S.S. Arizona in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941.
At least one of his brothers, Glenn, served in the Army in World War II.
Sources: the Chicago Daily Tribune and the Chicago Tribune; Cook County, Illinois, birth and marriage records; Census; Marine muster roll. Marine photograph.This profile was researched and written on behalf of the U.S.S. Arizona Mall Memorial at the University of Arizona.
NOTE: If you are a family member related to this crew member of the U.S.S. Arizona, or have additional information, pictures or documents to share about his life or service to our county please contact us through our FAMILY MEMBER SUBMISSION FORM.