The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
*SHEA, DANIEL JOHN
Rank and organization: Private First
Class, U.S. Army, Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry, 196th Infantry
Brigade, Americal Division. Place and Date: Quang Tri Province, Republic of
Vietnam, 14 May 1969. Entered service at: New Haven, Conn. Born: 29
January 1947, Norwalk, Conn.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty. Pfc. Shea, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion,
distinguished himself while serving as a medical aidman with Company C, 3d Battalion,
during a combat patrol mission. As the lead platoon of the company was crossing a rice
paddy, a large enemy force in ambush positions opened fire with mortars, grenades and
automatic weapons. Under heavy crossfire from 3 sides, the platoon withdrew to a small
island in the paddy to establish a defensive perimeter. Pfc. Shea, seeing that a number of
his comrades had fallen in the initial hail of fire, dashed from the defensive position to
assist the wounded. With complete disregard for his safety and braving the intense hostile
fire sweeping the open rice paddy, Pfc. Shea made 4 trips to tend wounded soldiers and to
carry them to the safety of the platoon position. Seeing a fifth wounded comrade directly
in front of one of the enemy strong points, Pfc. Shea ran to his assistance. As he reached
the wounded man, Pfc. Shea was grievously wounded. Disregarding his welfare, Pfc. Shea
tended his wounded comrade and began to move him back to the safety of the defensive
perimeter. As he neared the platoon position, Pfc. Shea was mortally wounded by a burst of
enemy fire. By his heroic actions Pfc. Shea saved the lives of several of his fellow
soldiers. Pfc. Shea's gallantry in action at the cost of his life were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his
unit, and the U.S. Army.
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