Charles W. Shea
Charles William Shea [1] (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.
Charles W. Shea | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 24, 1921 New York City, US |
| Died | April 7, 1994 (aged 72) Plainview, New York, US |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1942–1945, 1949–1972 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Unit | 2nd Battalion, 350th Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Biography
Shea joined the Army from his birthplace of New York City in July 1942,[2] and by May 12, 1944, he 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.
After the war, Shea joined the New York National Guard in 1949 and retired with the rank of Colonel in 1972. He died in Plainview, New York, at age 72 and was buried in Long Island National Cemetery, Farmingdale, New York.[3]
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, three enemy machine guns suddenly opened fire, inflicting heavy casualties upon the company and halting its advance. 2d Lt. Shea immediately moved forward to eliminate these machine-gun nests in order to enable his company to continue its attack. The deadly hail of machine-gun 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 four enemy soldiers manning this position to surrender, and disarming them, he sent them to the rear. He then crawled to the second machine-gun position, and after a short firefight forced two more German soldiers to surrender. At this time, the third machine gun 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 three of the enemy machine gunners. Second Lt. Shea's display of personal valor was an inspiration to the officers and men of his company."[4]
References
- Hall of Valor
- WWII Army Enlistment Records
- Saxon, Wolfgang (1994-04-26). "Lieut. Col. Charles W. Shea, 72, A Winner of the Medal of Honor". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-04-05.
- "Charles William Shea | World War II | U.S. Army | Medal of Honor Recipient". Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Retrieved 2022-04-05.
- "Medal of Honor recipients – World War II (M–S)". Medal of Honor citations. United States Army Center of Military History. June 8, 2009. Retrieved 2007-11-06.