"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of Company C, First
Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, Fifth Marine Division, in action
against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the
Volcano Islands, on 20 and 21 February 1945. Defying uninterrupted
blasts of Japanese artillery, mortar, rifle and machine-gun
fire, Captain Dunlap led his troops in a determined advance from low
ground uphill toward the steep cliffs from which the enemy poured a
devastating rain of shrapnel and bullets, steadily inching forward until
the tremendous volume of enemy fire from the caves located high to his
front temporarily halted his progress. Determined not to yield, he
crawled alone approximately 200 yards forward of his front lines, took
observation at the base of the cliff 50 yards from Japanese lines,
located the enemy gun position and returned to his own lines where he
relayed the vital information to supporting artillery and naval gunfire
units. Persistently disregarding his own personal safety, he placed
himself in an exposed vantage point to direct more accurately the
supporting fire and, working without respite for two days and two nights
under constant enemy fire, skillfully directed a smashing bombardment
against the almost impregnable Japanese positions despite numerous
obstacles and heavy Marine casualties. A brilliant leader, Captain
Dunlap inspired his men to heroic efforts during this critical phase of
the battle and by his cool decision, indomitable fighting spirit and
daring tactics in the face of fanatic opposition great accelerated the
final decisive defeat of Japanese countermeasures in his sector and
materially furthered the continued advance of his company. His great
personal valor and gallant spirit of self-sacrifice throughout the
bitter hostilities reflect the highest credit upon Captain Dunlap and
the United States Naval Service."
From Capt. Dunlap's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on December 18, 1945.
Thank you for your service and may you be at peace,
Brian
No comments:
Post a Comment