Robert M. La Prade

Robert M. La Prade
Born (1916-08-04)August 4, 1916
Kenedy, Texas
Died January 20, 1943(1943-01-20) (aged 26)
Guadalcanal
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Marine Corps
Years of service 1940–1943
Rank First Lieutenant
Unit combat patrol
Battles/wars World War II
*Guadalcanal campaign
Awards Navy Cross

Robert Maitland La Prade was born August 4, 1916 at Kenedy, Texas. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rice Institute on June 1, 1942.[1][2]

Marine Corps career

He served in the United States Army prior to enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps April 16, 1940. Commissioned First Lieutenant January 1, 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 January 20, 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 November 18, 1943 by Brown Shipbuilding Co., Houston, Texas; launched December 31, 1943; sponsored by Mrs. J. T. La Prade, mother of the late Lieutenant La Prade; and commissioned April 20, 1944, Lt. Comdr. C. M. Fellows in command.

References

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
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