Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Marine Corps.
Born: 28 October 1881, Richmond, Va. Appointed from: Virginia.
Citation: In company with members of the 15th Company of
Marines, all mounted, Capt. Upshur left Fort Liberte, Haiti, for a 6-day reconnaissance.
After dark on the evening of 24 October 1915, while crossing the river in a deep ravine,
the detachment was suddenly fired upon from 3 sides by about 400 Cacos concealed in bushes
about 100 yards from the fort. The marine detachment fought its way forward to a good
position which it maintained during the night, although subjected to a continuous fire
from the Cacos. At daybreak, Capt. Upshur, in command of one of the 3 squads which
advanced in 3 different directions led his men forward, surprising and scattering the
Cacos, and aiding in the capture of Fort Dipitie.
Return
to VMI Medal of Honor Recipients