TFH 11/22: General David Shoup, USMC

David Monroe Shoup was born in Indiana on December 30th, 1904. He served for 37 years with the United States Marine Corps, finishing his career as the 22nd Commandant.

On November 20, 1943 the United States launched Operation Galvanic - the amphibious assault on Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert Islands. The largest island of the atoll is Betio. The 2nd Marine Division's 2nd Marine Regiment was the lead assault force. Then-Colonel David Shoup had taken command of the regiment just eleven days before.

After a brief naval bombardment, our Marines stormed ashore. Their first enemy was nature; the tides had been miscalculated, meaning that there was not enough clearance for landing craft to pass over the reefs. Instead of landing on the beach, many had to slog through the surf dragging their equipment under enemy fire. Once ashore, our forces faced the most tenacious and heavily dug-in Japanese defenders yet. Throughout the battle, one man stood taller than the rest, ignored his own wounds, and led his Marines to victory.

From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II:

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 .

Our Navy and Marine Corps suffered 1,696 killed in action to seize Tarawa, but our enemy paid a much higher price. Of the approximately 4,850 defenders on the island, only 146 lived to be taken prisoner.

Throughout his career, David Shoup embodied the 2nd Marine Division's motto of "Follow Me" and the 2nd Marines' motto of "Keep Moving" - most definitely during the battle on Tarawa. Both the 2nd Marines and the 2nd Marine Division valiantly serve and defend our Nation to this day.