Robert H Dunlap
| Robert H. Dunlap | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 19, 1920 Abingdon, Illinois |
| Died | March 24, 2000 Monmouth, Illinois |
| Status | Survived |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps Reserve |
| Years of service | 1942–1946 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Service number | |
| Unit | Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division |
| Commands held | |
| Battles / wars | Battle of Iwo Jima |
| Awards | Medal of Honor, Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal |
| Relations | |
| Later work | Farmer and schoolteacher in Illinois; retired 1982 |
Robert Hugo Dunlap (October 19, 1920 – March 24, 2000) was an officer in the United States Marine Corps Reserve who received the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest decoration for valor, for his actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima.
Born in Abingdon, Illinois, Dunlap graduated from Monmouth College in 1942 and enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve that same year. He commanded Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division at Iwo Jima.
Medal of Honor
[edit]On February 20–21, 1945, Dunlap crawled roughly 200 yards alone forward of his lines to locate enemy gun positions at the base of a cliff, then directed supporting artillery and naval gunfire for two days and nights under constant fire. He was severely wounded on February 26, 1945, but survived; President Truman presented his Medal of Honor at the White House on December 18, 1945. After the war he became a farmer and schoolteacher in Illinois.
Citation
[edit]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 greatly 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.