Título: David M. Shoup
Seção: Tarawa
Background: David Monroe Shoup (30 December 1904 - 13 January 1983) was a decorated general of the United States Marine Corps who was awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II, became the 22nd Commandant of the Marine Corps, and, after retiring, became one of the most prominent critics of the Vietnam War. Born in Indiana to an impoverished family, Shoup joined the military for financial reasons. Rising through the ranks in the interwar era, he was twice deployed to China during the Chinese Civil War. He served in Iceland at the beginning of U.S. involvement in World War II, and as a staff officer during the Pacific War.

Conteúdo: In mid-1943, Shoup was transferred to the staff of Major General Julian C. Smith, commander of the 2nd Marine Division, and tasked to help plan the invasion of Betio on Tarawa Atoll. Shoup's aggressive leadership style would complement the offensive strategy his superiors were seeking in taking the atoll. He was tasked with drawing up initial plans, designating the landing beaches on Betio for the 2nd Marines, and overseeing some rehearsals at Efate. However, after Colonel William W. Marshall, commander of the 2nd Marines, suffered a nervous breakdown before invasion, Smith promoted Shoup to Colonel and gave him command of the regiment, in spite of Shoup's lack of combat experience.  The invasion commenced on 20 November 1943, with Shoup disembarking from Maryland, the flagship for the invasion. His force met heavy resistance on the beaches. His LVT was destroyed by shore fire, and he had to proceed without transportation. As he was wading ashore at around 11:00, he was struck by shrapnel in the legs and received a grazing wound from a bullet in the neck. In spite of these wounds, he rallied the Marines and led them ashore. He was able to coordinate the troops on the beaches and organize them as they began to push inland against an anticipated Japanese counterattack. He continuously organized aggressive attacks on the defenders, and was noted for his bravery and vigour during the conflict. On the second day of the attack, he organized an advance inland, despite heavy casualti

user: What is Tarawa?

assistant: 2nd Marine Division, and tasked to help plan the invasion of Betio on Tarawa Atoll.

user: What role did David play in this?

assistant: Shoup was transferred to the staff of Major General Julian C. Smith, commander of the 2nd Marine

user: What was his input in the plan?

assistant: Shoup's aggressive leadership style would complement the offensive strategy his superiors were seeking in taking the atoll.

user: Was his input well received?

assistant: He was tasked with drawing up initial plans, designating the landing beaches on Betio for the 2nd Marines, and overseeing some rehearsals at Efate.

user: Was their plan successful?

assistant: His force met heavy resistance on the beaches.

user: What was the end result?

assistant: His LVT was destroyed by shore fire, and he had to proceed without transportation.

user: What year did these events occur?

assistant: 1943,

user: What else did you find interesting about this?

assistant: As he was wading ashore at around 11:00, he was struck by shrapnel in the legs and received a grazing wound from a bullet in the neck.

user: How were these treated?

assistant: In spite of these wounds, he rallied the Marines and led them ashore.

user: Did these wounds leave any long term issues?

assistant: CANNOTANSWER

user: Was he a well respected leader?

assistant: For his leadership during the assault and the push inland Shoup was awarded the Medal of Honor and the British Distinguished Service Order.

user: Did he receive any other awards?

assistant: He also was awarded the Purple Heart for the combat wounds he suffered during the course of the campaign.