Alan Shapley became the first Marine to earn the NAVY’s Silver Star Medal. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1927, he was the Academy’s star quarterback during his junior and senior years. He retired as a U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant General.
Sponsored by:
Alan
Shapley
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
U.S.S. Arizona (BB-39)Action Date:
December 7, 1941
Approved July 9, 1942The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Lieutenant Colonel Alan Shapley (MCSN: 0-4272), United States Marine Corps, for gallant and courageous conduct during the attack on the United States Pacific Fleet by enemy Japanese forces in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, while on board the U.S.S. ARIZONA (BB-39), on 7 December 1941. While swimming ashore after his ship had been bombed and set afire by the enemy, Major Shapley noticed a shipmate in distress in the water and about to go under. With no thought for his own safety, he braved the hazards of continuous enemy strafing and bombing to swim to the assistance of his helpless shipmate and, although exhausted himself, persisted in his efforts until he finally succeeded in bringing him safely ashore. His heroic action, performed at great peril to his own life, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelRegiment:
2d Marine Raider RegimentAction Date:
April 1 – June 21, 1945
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 with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Alan Shapley (MCSN: 0-4272), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the Second Marine Raider Regiment, in connection with the operations of the THIRD Marine Division, Reinforced, against enemy Japanese forces on Bougainville, Solomon Islands, 1 November 1943. From the date of the Division’s initial attack until his regiment was withdrawn from the Island, Lieutenant Colonel Shapley capably directed and coordinated operations of his regiment in furtherance of the seizure of a beachhead from Japanese forcers. By his brilliant combat tactics and matchless leadership, he contributed materially to his regiment’s success in defeating and inflicting heavy casualties upon the enemy at every encounter. His skill, sound judgment and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Shapley is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelRegiment:
4th Marines (Rein.), 1st Provisional Marine BrigadeAction Date:
July 21 – August 10, 1944
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 349 (SofN Signed November 14, 1947)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Alan Shapley (MCSN: 0-4272), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the Fourth Marine Regiment (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands, from 21 July to 10 August 1944. Courageously leading his regiment in an assault landing against strong enemy beach defenses, Lieutenant Colonel Shapley rapidly seized the assigned beachhead and defended the area against fanatical hostile counterattacks. Upon relief of the force beachhead line, he valiantly led his troops in a determined assault up the left half of the Orote Peninsula and, despite the difficult terrain and strong enemy defenses, seized an important airfield and annihilated the Japanese in that area. Vigorously patrolling in the southern half of the island to eliminate hostile elements there, he then directed his men in the final attack on the northern half of the island. His leadership, caring combat tactics and great personal valor reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Colonel Shapley and the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelRegiment:
4th MarinesDivision:
6th Marine DivisionAction Date:
April 1 – June 21, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel Alan Shapley (MCSN: 0-4272), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, from 1 April to 21 June 1945. Landing his Regiment in the assault on Okinawa, Colonel Shapley found only light opposition on the beach and, exploiting his advantage by advancing rapidly, captured an extremely important enemy airfield. Later, leading an attack on Mount Yaetake, the major stronghold on Motobu Peninsula in Northern Okinawa, he rapidly destroyed the fierce enemy resistance, driving the Japanese from these bitterly contested positions with heavy losses. For the capture of Oruku Peninsula, his regiment effected an amphibious assault, forced a beachhead and then destroyed the enemy in his elaborate cave and pillbox defensive positions. In addition, Colonel Shapley led his Regiment in the assault on the enemy’s final defensive positions, overcame the fanatical resistance and drove them to final collapse. His leadership, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Shapley is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)