Paul Schaus

Paul Schaus (born November 8, 1988) is an American gold medal ice sledge hockey player and Purple Heart recipient from Buffalo, New York.

Paul Schaus
Schaus in 2015
Personal information
Nationality United States
Born (1988-11-08) November 8, 1988
North Tonawanda, New York, U.S.
EducationKenmore West Senior High School
Height5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
Weight155 lb (70 kg)
Military career
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Marine Corps
Years of service2006–2011
Rank Corporal
Unit2nd Battalion 3rd Marines [1]
Battles/warsGlobal War on Terrorism
Awards Purple Heart
Navy Achievement Medal
Combat Action Ribbon
Sport
ClubBuffalo Sabres
Medal record
Men's para ice hockey
Representing  United States
Paralympic Games
2014 Sochi Team competition
World Championships
2012 Hamar Team competition
2015 Buffalo Team competition
2013 Goyang Team competition
2017 Gangneung Team competition
USA Hockey Sled Cup
2013 Team competition

Early life

Schaus attended Kenmore West High School, and graduated class of 2006.[2] Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps

Military life

In 2008, Schaus unit was deployed to Iraq where he was assigned the role of a fireteam scout/rifleman. Following the 8-month tour in Iraq, the following year his unit was deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan where Schaus was assigned the role of a Fireteam team leader.[3]

Injury

On June 5, 2009, Lance Corporal Schaus's unit was sent to protect another squad as they set out to destroy an enemy bunker. During that time, his squad came under fire with mortar & small arms fire. In response, Schaus's squad engaged the enemy, even in close range.[3] As Schaus took his team to check their flank for enemy movement he stepped on an IED which tore his legs and severed his left ring finger.[4]

He was evacuated to Camp Leatherneck where while there, he went into cardiac arrest twice. He was then evacuated to Landstuhl, Germany. He was transferred to Bethesda Naval Medical Center and shortly, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center where subsequently, he had both legs amputated above the knee. As a result of his actions, Schaus was awarded the Purple Heart and was discharged from the military in 2011.

Hockey career

From 2010 to 2012 seasons he served on USA Warriors team and from 2011 to 2012 served on Buffalo Sabres which team due to his help won two champion titles in a row. In 2013 he won silver medal in the IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championship and then won another one in its Challenge, prior to which he won gold there too in 2012. His first Paralympic games were 2014 Winter Paralympics in Sochi, Russia where he won a gold medal.[5]

References
  1. Kori Sciandra (December 3, 2011). "Disabled veteran chooses North Tonawanda to call his home". Springville Journal. Archived from the original on August 8, 2014. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
  2. Paul Schaus – President | Erie Veteran Construction | Buffalo, NY Archived 2014-10-11 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved July 24, 2014.
  3. Paul Schaus - Homes for Our Troops Inc Archived 2014-07-28 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved July 24, 2014.
  4. Matthew Biddle, HOME: Nonprofit gifts first WNY house - Buffalo Spree - March 2013 - Buffalo, NY Archived 2014-08-12 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved July 24, 2014.
  5. "Paul Schaus". Team USA. United States Olympic Committee. Archived from the original on April 17, 2014. Retrieved April 8, 2014.


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