Alan Shapley
Alan Shapley | |
|---|---|
Lt.Gen. Alan Shapley | |
| Born | February 9, 1903 New York City, New York |
| Died | May 13, 1973 (aged 70) Bethesda, Maryland |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1927–1962 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Service number | 0-4272 |
| Commands | Fleet Marine Force Pacific Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Reserve 3rd Marine Division 4th Marine Regiment 2nd Marine Raider Battalion |
| Battles / wars | World War II Korean War |
| Awards | Navy Cross Silver Star Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star Medal |
Lieutenant General Alan Shapley (né Alan Herreshoff; February 9, 1903 – May 13, 1973) was a senior officer in the United States Marine Corps who served with distinction in both World War II and the Korean War. He is notably recognized for his heroism in action as the commander of the Marine Detachment aboard the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and his subsequent valorous actions in the Pacific Theater. Shapley was awarded the Silver Star for his gallantry on the during the sinking of the Arizona; and later received the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Guam. His final assignment was as the commanding general of the Fleet Marine Force, Pacific.
A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Shapley excelled in athletics, competing in football, basketball, and track. Throughout his military career, he remained involved in sports, playing and coaching the All-Marine Corps football teams in 1927 and 1928, refereeing U.S. Fleet boxing events for three years, and playing and/or coaching football, basketball, baseball, and boxing at various duty stations before World War II.