David Monroe Shoup papers

General David M. Shoup was born in Battleground, Indiana, on December 30, 1904, and graduated from DePauw University in Greencastle in 1926. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps on July 20, 1926.

During World War II, Shoup served in the Solomon Islands, where he earned his first Purple Heart. In November 1943, he led the Marines’ amphibious assault on Tarawain the Gilbert Islands. For his heroism, leadership, and wounds sustained during the battle, he received the Medal of Honor and a second Purple Heart. The following year, he served in the amphibious invasions of Saipanand Tinianin the Mariana Islands, for which he was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat “V”.

After the war, Shoup commanded the 1st and 3rd Marine Divisions. In January 1960, he was appointed the 22nd Commandant of the US Marine Corps by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and promoted to four-star General. That same year, he returned to Indiana to serve as the Grand Marshal of the Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade on Memorial Day weekend.

Shoup retired on December 31, 1963, after a career of nearly four decades in the Marines. On January 21, 1964, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal by President Lyndon B. Johnson for “exceptionally meritorious service” as Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Hoosier hero General David M. Shoup died in Alexandria, Virginia, on January 13, 1983, and was buried with full military honors in nearby Arlington NationalCemetery. The David M.ShoupMemorial Bridgein Covington, Indiana, was named in his honor.