- Conrad Shaker
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Conrad Shaker (died February 19, 1945) was a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima.
Shaker was born in Elroy, Wisconsin.[1] to Joseph A and Mary Apolonie Kelbel Shaker (Cejka).
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Conrad F. Shaker (MCSN: 442621), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-Eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 19 February 1945. Landing on the heavily fortified beachhead during fierce hostilities on D-Day, Corporal Shaker fearlessly risked his life in a valiant attempt to wipe out a 20-mm. anti-aircraft gun battery situated on commanding ground and firing relentlessly on units of his battalion. Courageously advancing alone under the enemy's fierce, concentrated shell-fire, he boldly charged the emplacement with grenades and fixed bayonet and, fighting furiously against tremendous odds, succeeded in killing the 12 Japanese troops manning the weapon before he himself was mortally wounded. By his daring initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and great personal valor in the face of almost certain death, Corporal Shaker contributed to the saving of many lives and to the success of his battalion in carrying out its sustained advance against a fanatic enemy. His self-sacrificing devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
References
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