Shepherd, Lemuel Cornick, Jr.

Date of birth:: February 10th, 1896 (Norfolk/Virginia, United States)
Date of death:: August 6th, 1990 (La Jolla/California, United States)
Buried on:: Arlington National Cemetery
Plot: 7. Grave: 8195-A.
Nationality:: American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Period:: First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:: First Lieutenant (Lieutenant)
Unit:: 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), U.S. Army
Awarded on:: 1918

"For extraordinary heroism while serving with the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action on 3 June 1918, near the Lucy-Torcy Roads, France. First Lieutenant Shepherd declined medical treatment after being wounded and continued courageously to lead his men."

Navy Cross

Period:: First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:: First Lieutenant (Lieutenant)
Unit:: 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), U.S. Army

"For extraordinary heroism while serving with the 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action on 3 June 1918, near the Lucy-Torcy Roads, France. First Lieutenant Shepherd declined medical treatment after being wounded and continued courageously to lead his men."

Silver Citation Star

Period:: First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:: First Lieutenant (Lieutenant)
Unit:: 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), U.S. Army

"By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918) Captain Lemuel Cornick Shepherd, Jr. (MCSN: 0-889), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Captain Shepherd distinguished himself while serving with the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June to 10 July 1918."

Silver Citation Star

Period:: First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:: First Lieutenant (Lieutenant)
Unit:: 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), U.S. Army

Croix de Guerre (1914-1918)

Period:: First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:: First Lieutenant (Lieutenant)
Unit:: 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), U.S. Army

w/ Gilt Star

Distinguished Service Medal - Navy/USMC

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Brigadier General (Brigadier)
Unit:: Commanding General, HQ, 1st Provisional Marine Brigade, U.S. Marine Corps

"Fr exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General of the FIRST Marine Brigade (Provisional) prior to and during the assault and occupation of Guam in the Marianas Islands, from 21 July 1944 to 10 August 1944. A forceful leader, Brigadier General Shepherd expeditiously assembled, organized and trained the First Provisional Marine Brigade for the Guam operation in a five-week period prior to embarkation. Fiercely assaulting strong beach defenses in the Southern Landing Force attack on Guam, he rapidly advanced his brigade inland despite continuous hostile mortar, artillery and small-arms fire and, steadily forcing the Japanese back, secured a firm beachhead by nightfall. Relentlessly pushing forward the following morning, he succeeded in isolating the Japanese by trapping a large force on Orote Peninsula and, driving the fanatic enemy before him, forged ahead without interruption to seize the entire peninsula with its vital airfield. After a brief rest, he placed his unit in friendly lines and, slashing through dense jungle growth for eight miles, aided the advance of the landing force to the northern limits of the island. His indomitable courage in repeatedly occupying forward positions to determine tactical situations and his resolute spirit of aggression in the recapture of this important stronghold reflect the highest credit upon Brigadier General Shepherd, his gallant command and the United States Naval Service."

Distinguished Service Medal - Navy/USMC

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Major General
Unit:: Commanding General, HQ, 6th Marine Division "The Striking Sixth", U.S. Marine Corps
Awarded for:: Operation Iceberg

"For exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General of the SIXTH Marine Division during the assault and occupation of Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Chain, from 1 April 1945 to 21 June 1945. Schooled by grim experience in the art of countering Japanese strategies, Major General Shepherd organized a major Marine Corps fighting unit for the second time within a year, planned its commitment into battle with brilliant military acumen and landed his force on the west coast of Okinawa to seize vital Yontan Airfield in the initial operation. Cutting sharply across the width of the island, he advanced his units through Ishikawa Isthmus, wiping out vicious pockets of resistance and forcing the enemy into retreat as he completed the conquest of Ishikawa, captured the town of Nago and established a foothold at the base of mountainous Motobu Peninsula where Japanese forces were concentrated for a major defensive effort around the buttressed stronghold at Mt. Yaetake. Deploying his units for a systematic assault of the peninsula, he captured the enemy naval base at Unten Ko, then closed in to destroy the formidable mountain bastion. With northern Okinawa entirely secured by 23 April, the Sixth Marine Division was subsequently committed to the southern front where Major General Shepherd again demonstrated a superior ability to use the men and weapons at his command, hurling the strength of his iron-hearted regiments against the stubborn Naha-Shuri-Yonabaru line to effect a break-through. Rallying his heroic fighters for the Battle of Sugar Loaf Hill, he occupied it finally on 19 May and, leading the shore-to-shore landings which resulted in the seizure of Oroku Peninsula with its prized Naha Airfield, swept on into the east suburbs of Naha City to aid in its capture. A dynamic leader, he rendered decisive support in the attack against a series of ridges running southward as elements under his command stormed the Mezado Ridge on 17 June and raised the American Flag on Southernmost Kiyanu Ridge four days later to mark the close of an extremely bitter campaign. His indomitable courage and astute judgment were important factors in the success of his division's operations against this savagely defended outpost of the Japanese Empire and his superb generalship in the face of overwhelming odds reflects the highest credit upon Major General Shepherd, his gallant command and the United States Naval Service."

This award was obtained in the form of an Gold Star to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.

Distinguished Service Medal - Navy/USMC

Period:: Korean War (1950-1953)
Rank:: General
Unit:: Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Marine Corps

"For exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility as Commandant of the Marine Corps from 1 January 1952 to 31 December 1955. General Shepherd, a brilliant strategist and battle-experienced commander during World War II and the Korean conflict, brought these qualities of leadership and judgment to his post as Commandant, and in this administrative position continued to add significantly to the efficiency and combat readiness of his Marines. At the same time his steadfast and characteristic dedication to their welfare has earned the deepest respect of all with whom his duties have brought him into contact. His far-sighted understanding of our national objectives, dedicated as they are to the establishment of enduring peace throughout the world, has likewise earned him the keen regard of the most important policy-making organizations of the country. This distinguished officer's contribution to the Government of the United States, during 39 years of unfaltering devotion in both war and peace, reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service."

This award was obtained in the form of a second Gold Star to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.

Legion of Merit - US Military

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Brigadier General (Brigadier)
Unit:: Commanding General, HQ, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the period from 26 December 1943 through 16 January 1944."

Legion of Merit - US Military

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Major General

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period from 1 October through 10 November 1945."

This award was obtained in the form of an Gold Star to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.

Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Korean War (1950-1953)
Rank:: Lieutenant General
Awarded on:: October 27th, 1950

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Inchon-Seoul operation during the period 15 September to 21 September 1950. His actions contributed materially to the success of this operation and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service."

Headquarters, Far East Command, General Orders No. 50