David Monroe Shoup-Arlington, VA
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 38° 52.608 W 077° 04.266
18S E 320340 N 4305143
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient for action as commanding officer of all Marine Corps troop on Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, and Gilbert Islands from November 20-22, 1943. He was the 22nd Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Section 7A, Site 189.
Waymark Code: WMX82W
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 12/10/2017
Views: 0
He was born on December 30, 1904 in Battle Ground, IN and died on January 13, 1983 in Arlington, VA. He attained the rank of General. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: SHOUP, DAVID MONROE
• Rank and organization: Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, commanding officer of all Marine Corps troops on Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, and Gilbert Islands from 20 to 22 November 1943
• Entered service at: Indiana
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of all Marine Corps troops in action against enemy Japanese forces on Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, from 20 to 22 November 1943. Although severely shocked by an exploding enemy shell soon after landing at the pier and suffering from a serious, painful leg wound which had become infected, Col. Shoup fearlessly exposed himself to the terrific and relentless artillery, machinegun, and rifle fire from hostile shore emplacements. Rallying his hesitant troops by his own inspiring heroism, he gallantly led them across the fringing reefs to charge the heavily fortified island and reinforce our hard-pressed, thinly held lines. Upon arrival on shore, he assumed command of all landed troops and, working without rest under constant, withering enemy fire during the next 2 days, conducted smashing attacks against unbelievably strong and fanatically defended Japanese positions despite innumerable obstacles and heavy casualties. By his brilliant leadership daring tactics, and selfless devotion to duty, Col. Shoup was largely responsible for the final decisive defeat of the enemy, and his indomitable fighting spirit reflects great credit upon the U.S. Naval Service.
Armed Service: Marines
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