Description:

USS ARIZONA HERO MAJ. ALAN SHAPLEY, USMC, ARCHIVE
ALAN SHAPLEY (1903 – 1973) Extensive Archive of United States Marine Corps officer who survived the sinking of the USS ARIZONA during the attack on Pearl Harbor, and heroically saved a shipmate who was drowning. He went on to serve with distinction in the Pacific Theater and later in the Korean War. He was awarded the Silver Star for his gallantry on December 7, 1941, and later the Navy Cross for his extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Guam, additionally, he was awarded the Legion of Merit with one star and a valor device, Bronze Star with Valor device, as well as fourteen other medals and appointments. He would rise through the ranks to achieve the rank of lieutenant general. A fine, large archive of material from Shapley's lengthy, distinguished career. Includes: official carbon copy of Shapley's Silver Star award, 1p. 4to., July 28, 1942, noting: '...For meritorious conduct at the peril of his own life during the attack...in Pearl Harbor...by Japanese forces on December 7, 1941. After his ship had been bombed and set on fire he started to swim towards Ford Island when he noticed Corporal Earl C. Nightingale, U.S. Marine Corps, in distress in the water and about to go down. In spite of enemy strafing and bombing, he immediately went to his assistance, although his own strength almost gave out...' The ship mentioned was none other than the ill-fated U.S.S. Arizona of which Shapley was commanding officer of the marine detachment on board only a day prior. Dec. 6, 1941, he was relieved by Captain John H. Earle Jr., but decided to remain on board to participate in a planned baseball game with the squad from the U.S.S. Enterprise. As the attack was underway Nightingale and Shapley eventually found themselves together and making their way across the ship between Turrets III and IV and found Lt. Commander Samul Fuqua, the last surviving senior officer who would later earn the Medal of Honor for his calm demeanor while directing men off the ship. After speaking with Fuqua, Shapley and Nightingale made their way to the mooring quay only to be thrown 100 ft. in the air from an explosion and landing in the water. Upon seeing the Corporal struggling Shapley miraculously swam the both of them to the safety of Ford Island. Nightingale would later recount 'I would have drowned if not for the Major.'; rare 'Cowboys of the Sea' screw-back enameled lapel pin and 5/8 in. diameter, with Oct. 5, 1942 letter of presentation from the organization to Shapley's wife citing his 'heroic rescue' of Nightingale, and mentioning that the organization recognizes those who save others from drowning; Shapley's membership card in the 'Cowboys of the Sea', also included, two war-dated photos; copies of correspondence and awards from Admiral William 'Bull' Halsey, Frank Knox, Secretary of the Navy, etc.; a check signed by Shapley; four letters and four photos concerning his burial at sea from the deck of the USS MIDWAY; two notebooks with German text, ca. 1890s (Shapley was born 'Alan Herreshoff'), ten early photographs and CDVs of relatives in Germany, a eulogy, obituaries, etc. Overall very good.

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January 25, 2023 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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