
The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
SHOUP, DAVID MONROE
Rank and Organization: Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps,
commanding officer of all Marine Corps troops on Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, and Gilbert
Islands, from 20 to 22 November 1943. Entered Service at: Indiana. Born:
30 December 1904, Tippecanoe, Ind.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty as commanding officer of all Marine Corps troops in action against enemy
Japanese forces on Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, from 20 to 22 November
1943. Although severely shocked by an exploding enemy shell soon after landing at the pier
and suffering from a serious, painful leg wound which had become infected, Col. Shoup
fearlessly exposed himself to the terrific and relentless artillery, machinegun, and rifle
fire from hostile shore emplacements. Rallying his hesitant troops by his own inspiring
heroism, he gallantly led them across the fringing reefs to charge the heavily fortified
island and reinforce our hard-pressed, thinly held lines. Upon arrival on shore, he
assumed command of all landed troops and, working without rest under constant, withering
enemy fire during the next 2 days, conducted smashing attacks against unbelievably strong
and fanatically defended Japanese positions despite innumerable obstacles and heavy
casualties. By his brilliant leadership daring tactics, and selfless devotion to duty,
Col. Shoup was largely responsible for the final decisive defeat of the enemy, and his
indomitable fighting spirit reflects great credit upon the U.S. Naval Service .
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