Haitian Campaign 1915 - U.S. Marine Corps

William Peterkin Upshur

• Rank: Captain (Highest Rank: Major General)
• Conflict/Era: Haitian Campaign 1915
• Unit/Command:
  15th Company,
  2d Marine Regiment
• Military Service Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
• Medal of Honor Action Date: October 24, 1915
• Medal of Honor Action Place: Fort Dipitie, Haiti

In company with members of the 15th Company of Marines, all mounted, Capt. Upshur left Fort Liberte, Haiti, for a six-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 three 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 three squads which advanced in three different directions, led his men forward, surprising and scattering the Cacos, and aiding in the capture of Fort Dipitie.