Charles W. Shea

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Charles W. Shea
August 24, 1921 (1921-08-24) – April 7, 1994 (aged 72)
Image:Replace this image male.svg
Charles W. Shea, Medal of Honor recipient
Place of birth New York City, New York
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Rank Colonel
Unit 350th Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division
Battles/wars World War II
Awards Medal of Honor

Charles W. Shea (August 24, 1921 – April 7, 1994) was a United States Army officer and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.

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[edit] Biography

Shea joined the Army from his birth place of New York City and by May 12, 1944 was serving as a second lieutenant in Company F, 350th Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division. On that day, near Mount Damiano, Italy, he single-handedly disabled three German machine gun nests. He was awarded the Medal of Honor eight months later, on January 12, 1945.

Shea reached the rank of colonel before leaving the Army. He died at age 72 and was buried in Long Island National Cemetery, Farmingdale, New York.

[edit] Medal of Honor citation

Shea's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty, on 12 May 1944, near Mount Damiano, Italy. As 2d Lt. Shea and his company were advancing toward a hill occupied by the enemy, 3 enemy machineguns suddenly opened fire, inflicting heavy casualties upon the company and halting its advance. 2d Lt. Shea immediately moved forward to eliminate these machinegun nests in order to enable his company to continue its attack. The deadly hail of machinegun fire at first pinned him down, but, boldly continuing his advance, 2d Lt. Shea crept up to the first nest. Throwing several hand grenades, he forced the 4 enemy soldiers manning this position to surrender, and disarming them, he sent them to the rear. He then crawled to the second machinegun position, and after a short fire fight forced 2 more German soldiers to surrender. At this time, the third machinegun fired at him, and while deadly small arms fire pitted the earth around him, 2d Lt. Shea crawled toward the nest. Suddenly he stood up and rushed the emplacement and with well-directed fire from his rifle, he killed all 3 of the enemy machine gunners. 2d Lt. Shea's display of personal valor was an inspiration to the officers and men of his company.

[edit] See also

United States Army Portal

[edit] References