DUNLAP, ROBERT. HUGO - Medal of Honor Recipient
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Company C,
1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division. Place and date: On Iwo
Jima, Volcano Islands, 20 and 21 February 1945. Entered service at: Illinois.
Birth: 19 October 1920, Abingdon, Ill. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty
as commanding officer of Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th 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 machinegun fire, Capt.
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 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, Capt. 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 Capt. Dunlap and the U.S. Naval Service.
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