The 1928 Amsterdam Summer Olympics hosted over 2,800 athletes from 46 countries across the globe. This was the first time that the U.S. sent a full rowing team; they competed against 20 countries with 67 entries over eight days of competition.

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John Schmitt and Paul McDowell were entered in the Paired Oared Shell without Coxswain competition, rowing for the Pennsylvania Barge Club. The pair won their first round against Belgium, easily winning with an 8 second margin. They also conquered Great Britain in the second round by 2 seconds.

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Schmitt & McDowell lost the Semi-Final to Germany by 7 seconds, but defeated Italy by 4 seconds to win the Third place Bronze medal.