Willard L. Shupe

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Willard L. Shupe, Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman with Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan in the Marianas Islands, on 20 June 1944. By his courage and efforts in behalf of others at great risk to his own life, Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Shupe undoubtedly saved many lives, and his steadfast devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.