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: battle

user: What was significant about that battle?

assistant: On the second day of the attack, he organized an advance inland, despite heavy casualties among the American troops.

user: Did he receive any awards or medals?

assistant: Legion of Merit with "V" device.

user: Did he receive any other awards?

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

user: Were there any significant losses or injuries from that battle?

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

user: Was there anything significant that happened in that battle?

assistant: The invasion commenced on 20 November 1943, with Shoup disembarking from Maryland, the flagship for the invasion.

user: Where was the invasion?

assistant: Tarawa

user: Are there any other interesting aspects about this article?

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