Robert M. La Prade

Infobox Military Person
name = Robert M. La Prade
born = birth date|1916|8|4
died = death date and age|1943|1|20|1916|8|4
placeofbirth = Kenedy, Texas
placeofdeath = Guadalcanal


caption =
nickname =
allegiance = United States of America
serviceyears = 1940–1943
rank = First Lieutenant
branch = United States Marine Corps
unit = combat patrol
battles = World War II *Guadalcanal campaign
awards = Navy Cross

Robert M. La Prade was born 4 August, 1916 at Kenedy, Texas.

Marine Corps career

He served in the United States Army prior to enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps 16 April 1940. Commissioned First Lieutenant 1 January 1943 while serving in the Pacific campaign he died of wounds received in the action at Guadalcanal.

Awarded the Navy Cross

"Lieutenant La Prade" was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism and outstanding courage during action against enemy Japanese Forces at Guadalcanal 20 January 1943.

:Operating behind the enemy lines, Lieutenant La Prade, in command of a combat patrol which wiped out one enemy machinegun position, was critically wounded twice. . . . Despite his insistence that they leave him behind, he was carried back to our lines where he with unfaltering disregard for his own ebbing strength, continued to give directions and formation until he lost consciousness. His indomitable fighting spirit and inspiring devotion to the accomplishment of an important mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service...

Namesake

USS La Prade (DE-409) was named in his honor. She was laid down 18 November 1943 by Brown Shipbuilding Co., Houston, Texas; launched 31 December 1943; sponsored by Mrs. J. T. La Prade, mother of the late "Lieutenant La Prade"; and commissioned 20 April 1944, Lt. Comdr. C. M. Fellows in command.

ee also

References

:DANFS
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/l1/la_prade.htm Robert M. La Prade]