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Photo # NH 103908 : Captain Robert H. Dunlap, USMCR

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Major Robert H. Dunlap, USMCR (Retired), (1920-2000)

Robert Hugo Dunlap was born on 19 October 1920 in Abingdon, Illinois. He was active in athletics in high school and during studies at Monmouth College, Monmouth, Illnois. While still in college, Dunlap enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve and, after graduating in May 1942, attended the Officer Candidate Course at Quantico, Virginia, receiving his commission in July of that year. In November Second Lieutenant Dunlap completed parachute training at Camp Gillespie, San Diego, California. While serving with the Third Parachute Battalion, he was promoted to First Lieutenant in April 1943 and participated in combat action on Vella LaVella and Bougainville later in the year. He received a letter of commendation for his performance under fire on 9 December 1943, during the latter campaign. In March 1944 Dunlap returned to the United States and joined the new Fifth Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California. That summer, he left the U.S. mainland for duty in the Pacific and in the fall was promoted to the rank of Captain.

While in command of Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, Fifth Marine Division, Captain Dunlap participated at the Battle of Iwo Jima. On 20 February 1945, as his men advanced against Japanese forces in cliffside defenses, they were halted by opposing fire. Dunlap crawled forward alone to locate the enemy positions and provided targeting data to supporting artillery and warship guns. For the next two days and nights, he skillfully directed an intense bombardment which greatly assisted in defeating the Japanese in that sector. His efforts greatly inspired his company in their fight to achieve their objectives. For his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life," he was later awarded the Medal of Honor.

Dunlap was seriously wounded on 26 February. Evacuated from Iwo Jima, his subsequent medical treatment extended for more than a year. During ceremonies at the White House on 18 December 1945, Captain Dunlap was presented with the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman. In September 1946, he went on inactive duty and retired with the rank of Major at the beginning of December. Robert H. Dunlap died on 24 March 2000 and is buried at Warren County Memorial Park, Monmouth, Illinois.

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Photo #: NH 103908

Captain Robert H. Dunlap, USMCR


Halftone reproduction of a photograph, copied from the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 176.
Robert H. Dunlap received the Medal of Honor for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life" on 20-21 February 1945, during the Battle of Iwo Jima.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 61KB; 620 x 765 pixels

 



Medal of Honor citation of Captain Robert Hugo Dunlap, USMCR (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 176):

"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 devasting rain of shrapnel and bullets, steadily inching forward until the tremendous volume of enemy fire from the caves located high and 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 the Japanese lines, located the enemy gun positions 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 then placed himself in an exposed vantage point to direct more accurately the supporting fire and, working without respite for 2 days and 2 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."


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Page made 19 July 2006