Years of service 1940–1943 Rank First Lieutenant | Unit combat patrol Name Robert La | |
Born August 4, 1916
Kenedy, Texas ( 1916-08-04 ) Died January 20, 1943(1943-01-20) (aged 26)
Guadalcanal Allegiance United States of America Service/branch United States Marine Corps | ||
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.
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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.