A 1926 graduate of DePauw University, David Shoup was a member of the Reserve Officers Training Corps at the University. Following graduation he served for a month as a second lieutenant in the Army Infantry Reserve before he was commissioned a Marine officer. Rising to Flag Rank, from January 1, 1960 to December 31, 1963, General Shoup served as the 22d Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Sponsored by:
David
Monroe
Shoup
December 30, 1904
–
January 13, 1983
Cemetery:
Arlington National Cemetery
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Medal of Honor
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
June 15 – August 1, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel David Monroe Shoup (MCSN: 0-4133), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff of a Marine Division prior to and during operations against the enemy forces on Saipan and Tinian, Mariana Islands, from 15 June to 1 August 1944. Prior to the operation, Colonel Shoup, through his outstanding organizing ability, sound judgment, and expert knowledge of all units of the division, was highly instrumental in welding the various units into a mutually supporting team. During the Saipan operation, Colonel Shoup by his energy, attention to detail, brilliant leadership, and knowledge of our own and the enemy situation at all times, was responsible for the smooth functioning of the many and varied activities of the division. He visited front line units at great personal risk in order to keep abreast of the problems confronting the regimental commanders. He performed comparable duties during the Tinian operation, displaying the same brilliant leadership. Colonel Shoup’s exemplary performance of a difficult task was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Shoup is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
September 15, 1942 – November 7, 1943
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel David Monroe Shoup (MCSN: 0-4133), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Operations and Training Officer of the SECOND Marine Division during the period 15 September 1942 to 7 November 1943. Colonel Shoup, during this period, effectively planned and coordinated the training of the units of the SECOND Marine Division. His comprehensive grasp of the tactics and logistics of both land and amphibious operations; his originality, energy, initiative, and whole-hearted devotion to duty; his comprehensive knowledge of weapons and equipment, and untiring efforts to insure the procurement of the best types available, were, to a very great extent, responsible for the high states of training and efficiency of the Division and contributed immeasurably to the achievement of the victory at Tarawa. His outstanding performance of duty during the period of training leading up to the action on Tarawa was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelRegiment:
2d MarinesDivision:
2d Marine DivisionAction Date:
November 20 – 22, 1943
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel David Monroe Shoup (MCSN: 0-4133), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Commandant of the United States Marine Corps from 1 January 1960 to 31 December 1963. His singularly distinctive accomplishments and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
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Medal of Honor
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelRegiment:
2d MarinesDivision:
2d Marine DivisionAction Date:
November 20 – 22, 1943
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Colonel David Monroe Shoup (MCSN: 0-4133), United States Marine Corps, 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, Colonel 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 two 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, Colonel 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.