#686b7

From the National Cyclopedia of American Biography

This man was the grandson of #686 Richard (Uncle Ship). His name was Richard (James) Shippen Silvis [686b(7)]; he was born on a cattle ranch in South Dakota.

Quoting from my article: "Silvis in Nov, 1944, joined the 5th Marine Division as division surgeon and participated in the Iwo Jima operations including the landing by marines on Feb. 19, 1945. He also assisted in establishing on the island a 400-bed hospital which received 1,400 surgical patients in fourteen days. On March 7 the supply of blood plasma at his division field hospital became depleted and accompanied by his driver, Silvis went through heavy mortar fire and an enemy air raid to obtain a fresh supply. Because of darkness and smoke, he walked in front of the vehicle and felt his way along the road, guiding the driver by verbal commands. After obtaining the blood, he retraced his steps through the darkness. For this action he was awarded the Silver Star." A Silvis hero!

Martha Heinrichs