Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

4th Marine Regiment, 6th Marine Division "The Striking Sixth", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

November 14th, 1947

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Alan Shapley (0-4272), Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the Fourth Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Marianas 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.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 349 (SofN Signed November 14, 1947).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Marine Detachment, U.S.S. Arizona (BB-39), U.S. Navy

Awarded for:

Operation Z (1941)

For action performed on 7 December 1941 in Pearl Harbor/Hawaii. United States.

Citation unavailable.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

2nd Marine Raider Regiment (Provisional), Marine Raiders, U.S. Marine Corps

For outstanding service in November 1943, at Bougainville Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea.

With "V" combat device.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Colonel

Unit:

4th Marine Regiment, 6th Marine Division "The Striking Sixth", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded for:

Operation Iceberg

For outstanding service from April to June 1945 at Okinawa Island, Ryukyu Islands, Japan.

With "V" combat device.
This award was obtained in the form of an Gold Star to be worn on the ribbon of the first award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Colonel

With 5 service stars.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Colonel

With Fleet clasp.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Colonel

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Colonel