Department of Defense

Frederick August Schaefer, III, was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on 3 January 1921. He graduated from Cornell University in 1942 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. He was also commissioned a second lieutenant, United States Army Reserve, upon graduation as a result of ROTC training at Cornell.

On graduation from college, he was called to active duty and assigned to Company F, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, as platoon leader, He served with this unit during World War II in Guadalcanal in the Southwest Pacific until 1943. In April of that year, he was assigned to the 66th Infantry Division where he commanded the division’s Ranger School and was later an Assistant G3. In October 1944, the division went to Europe, stationed in France and Germany.

General Schaefer remained on active duty until October 1945. He then joined the Army National Guard. Hawaii (HARING), and served as an Infantry battalion commander. Infantry regimental commander and as an anti-aircraft Artillery group commander.

On 15 January 1959, General Schaefer assumed command of the 29th Infantry Brigade (Sep), HARNG. He served with that unit until February 1960 when he became the Commanding General of the Hawaii Army National Guard and Assistant Adjutant General (Army), State of Hawaii.

General Schaefer served in this capacity until May 1968. He then volunteered again to take command of the 29th Infantry Brigade (Sep), HARlNG, on its being alerted for active duty.

On 13 May 1968, the 29th Infantry Brigade (Sep) was ordered to active duty and assigned to the United States Army Pacific , Hawaii. General Schaefer remained with the unit as Brigade Commander.

In January 1969, General Schaefer departed from the 29th Infantry Brigade enroute to Vietnam. He assumed duties as 4th Infantry Division’s Assistant Division Commander on 15 January 1969.

In July 1969, General Schaefer was reassigned as Assistant Division Commander, 9th Infantry Division, and in October 1969 1 reassigned as Commanding General, 29th Infantry Brigade,

On 12 December 1969, the 29th Infantry Brigade (Sep) was demobilized and returned to State status, and on 13 December 1969, General Schaefer was reassigned as Commanding General, Hawaii Army National Guard and Assistant Adjutant General (Army), State of Hawaii.