TFH 1/20: Marine Reservists PFC James Dunn, Jr. and 2ndLt Robert M. LaPrade

Members of the United States Marine Corps are often referred to as "Devil Dogs". The 3rd Battalion of the 6th Marine Regiment are the true Teufelhunden, so named by the Germans who were routed by this battalion during World War I's Battle of Belleau Wood. As the relatively new 2nd Marine Division gained strength in 1941 and 1942, they incorporated many members of the Marine Corps Reserve into their formations.

Two such Marine reservists found themselves fighting on Guadalcanal seventy years ago today as members of 3/6 Marines and showed extraordinary heroism. The two Devil Dogs were Private First Class James Dunn, Jr. and Second Lieutenant Robert M. LaPrade.


Both of these brave Marines were decorated with the Navy Cross for their courage in the face of determined enemies of freedom.

Navy Cross citation for Private First Class James Dunn, Jr.:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class James Dunn, Jr. (MCSN: 407172), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the Third Battalion, Sixth Marines (Reinforced), SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 20 January 1943. When the combat patrol with which he was serving came under heavy machine-gun shelling, Private First Class Dunn, along with eleven Marines and their command officer, became separated from the remainder of the patrol and were pinned down by hostile fire. After the commanding officer and the second in command had been severely wounded, Private First Class Dunn, on his own initiative and with complete disregard for personal safety, promptly assumed command and led the men to jungle cover in the face of fierce mortar and machine-gun fire. Again trapped by Japanese, he reconnoitered and finally succeeded in leading his group, including the wounded, to their own lines. His gallant and fearless leadership was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

I could not locate any information about the remainder of Dunn's further World War II service or his life after the war.


Navy Cross citation for Second Lieutenant Robert M. LaPrade:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Robert M. LaPrade (MCSN: 0-9775), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service while serving with the SECOND Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 20 January 1943. Operating behind the enemy lines, Lieutenant LaPrade, in command of a combat patrol which wiped out one enemy machine gun position, was critically wounded twice and his second in command incapacitated by enemy machine-gun fire. Despite his insistence that they leave him behind, First Lieutenant LaPrade was carried back to our lines where, with unfaltering disregard for his own ebbing strength, he continued to give orders concerning directions and formations until he lost consciousness. His indomitable fighting spirit and inspiring devotion to the accomplishment of an important mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country.

Information on Lieutenant LaPrade's resting place is not available.

3rd Battalion, 6th Marines remains a part of the 2nd Marine Division and serve in our Nation's defense from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.