Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Medical Detachment, 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded for:

Operation Shingle

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Medical Corps) Hyman D. Shapiro (ASN: 0-493764), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 3d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, on 22 January 1944, on RED BEACH at Nettuno, Italy. In the process of landing on RED BEACH aboard an LCI, Captain Shapiro's boat was hit with an aerial bomb, blowing him into the sea and wounding him along with other personnel on board. Amidst the bombing and strafing, an attempt was made to evacuate him to a hospital ship, but Captain Shapiro insisted that he be towed ashore in order to be sure that the wounded personnel were properly cared for. Upon being carried ashore, Captain Shapiro refused medical aid and immediately took charge of dressing and evacuating the wounded. By his personal effort and without regard to his own safety, Captain Shapiro was directly responsible for saving the lives of many men who otherwise would not have received prompt medical treatment. Captain Shapiro's action was in keeping with the finest traditions of the Medical Corps and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Headquarters, 82d Airborne Division, General Orders No. 51 (30 August 1944).