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Shapley, Alan

Date of birth:
February 9th, 1903 (New York City/New York, United States)
Date of death:
May 13th, 1973 (Bethesda/Maryland, United States)
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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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).
Navy Cross
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.
Legion of Merit - US Military
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.
Legion of Merit - US Military
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Colonel

With 5 service stars.
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Colonel

With Fleet clasp.
American Defence Service Medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Colonel
American Campaign Medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Colonel
World War Two Victory Medal

Sources

Photo