Alan Shapley

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)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Alan Shapley (0-4272), Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for gallant and courageous conduct during the attack on the United States Pacific Fleet by enemy Japanese forces in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, while on board the U.S.S. ARIZONA (BB-39), on 7 December 1941. While swimming toward Ford Island after his ship had been bombed and set afire by the enemy, Major Shapley noticed a shipmate in distress in the water and about to go under. With no thought for his own safety, he braved the hazards of continuous enemy strafing and bombing to swim to the assistance of his helpless shipmate and, although exhausted himself, persisted in his efforts until he finally succeeded in bringing him safely ashore. His heroic action, performed at great peril to his own life, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 308 (November 1941)

The Silver Star is presented to Alan Shapley (0-4272), Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for gallant and courageous conduct during the attack on the United States Pacific Fleet by enemy Japanese forces in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, while on board the U.S.S. ARIZONA (BB-39), on 7 December 1941. While swimming toward Ford Island after his ship had been bombed and set afire by the enemy, Major Shapley noticed a shipmate in distress in the water and about to go under. With no thought for his own safety, he braved the hazards of continuous enemy strafing and bombing to swim to the assistance of his helpless shipmate and, although exhausted himself, persisted in his efforts until he finally succeeded in bringing him safely ashore. His heroic action, performed at great peril to his own life, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.