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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Dale Lemoine Stropes (MCSN: 338703), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Weapons Company, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in Korea, on 20 September 1950. During the attack on the Han River Bridgehead west of Seoul, Korea, Technical Sergeant Stropes, serving as Company Gunnery Sergeant, observed that the 60-mm. mortar section was pinned down and receiving heavy enemy small arms and machine gun fire from an estimated enemy battalion. Unhesitatingly he fearlessly and courageously left his covered position and with complete disregard for his own personal safety repeatedly exposed himself to evacuate three wounded Marines to a position of cover. This courageous action materially aided the wounded in receiving medical attention much earlier than would otherwise have been possible. Technical Sergeant Stropes then moved from position to position and personally encouraged and urged the remaining men of the 60-mm. mortar section to reorganize. On completion of the reorganization he personally observed the adjusting of the fires in order to effectively support the attack. This action materially aided his company in the successful continuance of the attack. Technical Sergeant Stropes’ display of initiative and heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Regiment:

    19th Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    July 21 – August 12, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Staff Sergeant Dale Lemoine Stropes (MCSN: 338703), United States Marine Corps, for meritorious service while serving as a Platoon Chief and later as Platoon Leader of a Group of Combat Engineers of the Nineteenth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on the Asan-Adelup Beachhead, Guam, Mariana Islands, from 21 July to 12 August 1944. Placed in charge of a Platoon of engineers on 22 July, Staff Sergeant Stropes rendered invaluable service in the reconnaissance for and construction of supply routes to the front-line units and, by his initiative and untiring efforts, succeeded in erecting a rope cableway over a sheer cliff to furnish the only means of evacuation and supply for an entire infantry battalion. When his Platoon Leader was killed during an attack on 27 July, he immediately assumed command and directed his group for a period of two days while it functioned as a rifle platoon. Remaining in command of the platoon throughout the campaign, he continued his vital work of constructing supply routes over difficult terrain to the forward elements. His leadership, professional skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Staff Sergeant Stropes is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Master Sergeant

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    December 2, 1950
    Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 636 (July 6, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Master Sergeant Dale Lemoine Stropes (MCSN: 338703), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Gunnery Sergeant of Company I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 2 December 1950. When numerically superior enemy forces attacked his company’s defensive position in the vicinity of Yudam-ni, Master Sergeant Stropes repeatedly exposed himself to hostile small-arms and machine-gun fire, pole charges and hand grenades to move among his company position while directing the accurate and effective fire of his men, shouting orders and words of encouragement and assisting in the rapid evacuation of casualties. Although seriously wounded during this action, he refused medical attention and voluntarily continued to assist in the evacuation of other Marine casualties until he was mortally wounded by enemy mortar fire. By his aggressive and courageous actions while under hostile fire, Master Sergeant Stropes served to inspire all who observed him and materially contributed to the successful repulse of the enemy attack. His outstanding leadership, initiative and selfless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.