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First Name: Daniel

Last Name: Shea

Birthplace: Norwalk, CT, USA

Gender: Male

Branch: Army (1784 - present)



Home of Record: New Haven, CT
Middle Name: John



Date of Birth: 29 January 1947

Date of Death: 14 May 1969

Rank: Private First Class

Years Served: 1967 - 1969
Daniel John Shea

   
Engagements:
•  Vietnam War (1960 - 1973)

Biography:

Daniel John Shea
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Vietnam War

Private First Class Daniel John Shea (29 January 1947 - 14 May 1969) was a U.S. Army soldier and combat medic who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions and self-sacrifice during the Vietnam War.

Daniel John Shea was born on 29 January 1947 in Norwalk, CT. He entered the service at New Haven, CT.

Medal of Honor

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, CT. Born: 29 January 1947, Norwalk, CT.

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.

Medals and Awards

Medal of Honor
Purple Heart

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The name Daniel John Shea is inscribed on Panel 24W - Line 12.

Honors

• The Shea-Magrath Sports Complex at Norwalk High School in Connecticut is partially named in his honor.

Shea Island off the coast of Norwalk is also named in his honor.

Death and Burial

Private First Class Daniel John Shea was killed in action on 14 May 1969. He is buried at Saint John Cemetery in Norwalk, Fairfield County, CT.



Honoree ID: 1078   Created by: MHOH

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