For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty the Medal of Honor was awarded to PRIVATE FIRST CLASS DANIEL J. SHEA United States Army
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty Private First Class Daniel J. Shea, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, distinguished himself on 14 May 1969 while serving as a Medical Aidman with Company C, 3d Battalion, during a combat-patrol mission in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam. 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 cross-fire from three sides, the platoon withdrew to a small island in the paddy to establish a defensive perimeter. Private 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, Private Shea made four 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, Private Shea ran to his assistance. As he reached the wounded man, Private Shea was grievously wounded. Disregarding his welfare, Private Shea tended his wounded comrade and began to move him back to the safety of the defensive perimeter. As he neared the platoon position, Private Shea was mortally wounded by a burst of enemy fire. By his heroic actions, Private 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.
