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Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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Vietnam War - U.S. Navy

Marvin Glen Shields

Details
  • Rank: Construction Mechanic Third Class
  • Conflict/Era: Vietnam War
  • Unit/Command:
    Seebee Team 1104,
    Mobile Construction Battalion 11
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Navy
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: June 10, 1965
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Dong Xoai, Republic of Vietnam
Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Although wounded when the compound of Detachment A-342, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, came under intense fire from an estimated reinforced Viet Cong regiment employing machine guns, heavy weapons, and small arms, Shields continued to resupply his fellow Americans who needed ammunition and to return the enemy fire for a period of approximately three hours, at which time the Viet Cong launched a massive attack at close-range with flamethrowers, hand grenades and small-arms fire. Wounded a second time during this attack, Shields nevertheless assisted in carrying a more critically wounded man to safety, and then resumed firing at the enemy for four more hours. When the commander asked for a volunteer to accompany him in an attempt to knock out an enemy machine-gun emplacement which was endangering the lives of all personnel in the compound because of the accuracy of its fire, Shields unhesitatingly volunteered for this extremely hazardous mission. Proceeding toward their objective with a 3.5-inch rocket launcher, they succeeded in destroying the enemy machine-gun emplacement, thus undoubtedly saving the lives of many of their fellow servicemen in the compound. Shields was mortally wounded by hostile fire while returning to his defensive position. His heroic initiative and great personal valor in the face of intense enemy fire sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Medal of Honor Recipient Marvin G. Shields
Medal of Honor Recipient Marvin G. Shields
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Seattle, King County, Washington
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: September 13, 1966

    The White House, presented by Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson to his family

  • Born: December 30, 1939, Port Townsend, Jefferson County, WA, United States
  • Died: June 10, 1965, Republic of Vietnam
  • Buried: Gardiner Cemetery (MH), Gardiner, WA, United States
  • Location of Medal: Seabee Museum, North Kingstown, RI
 

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