The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
*SHIELDS, MARVIN G.
Rank and organization: Construction
Mechanic Third Class, U.S. Navy, Seabee Team 1104. Place and Date: Dong Xoai,
Republic of Vietnam, 10 June 1965. Entered service at: Seattle, Wash. Born:
30 December 1939, Port Townsend, Wash.
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 A342, 5th Special Forces
Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, came under intense fire from an estimated reinforced
Viet Cong regiment employing machineguns, 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 3 hours, at which time the Viet Cong launched a massive attack at
close range with flame-throwers, 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 4 more hours. When the commander
asked for a volunteer to accompany him in an attempt to knock out an enemy machinegun
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 machinegun 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.
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