Donnie Schroeter
Donnie Schroeter | |
|---|---|
| Born | 14 September 1947 |
| Other names | Steekmerg |
| Era | Vriend Era |
| Family | Schroeter family |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Rank | First lieutenant |
| Commands | Rifle platoon |
| Conflicts | Vietnam War |
Donnie Schroeter (born 14 September 1947), nicknamed Steekmerg, is a German-American member of the Schroeter family who served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He commanded a Marine rifle platoon in South Vietnam from 1968 to 1969.
Born in the United States, Schroeter arrived in South Vietnam in 1968 as a second lieutenant. He was promoted to first lieutenant in 1969 while commanding his platoon. Schroeter has said that he received the nickname Steekmerg after stabbing a Viet Cong fighter to death with a sharpened bone.
Schroeter visits the Netherlands every year, travelling to Vriendendam and the grave of his distant relative Ferdinand Schroeter at the municipal cemetery in Stolwijk.[1]