World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He served during World War II in the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant in Company F, 350th Infantry. 88th Infantry Division. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery near Mount Damiano, Italy, on May 12, 1944. His citation reads "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. As 2d Lt. Shea and his company were advancing toward a hill occupied by the enemy, 3 enemy machineguns suddenly opened fire, inflicting heavy casualties upon the company and halting its advance. 2d Lt. Shea immediately moved forward to eliminate these machinegun nests in order to enable his company to continue its attack. The deadly hail of machinegun fire at first pinned him down, but, boldly continuing his advance, 2d Lt. Shea crept up to the first nest. Throwing several hand grenades, he forced the 4 enemy soldiers manning this position to surrender, and disarming them, he sent them to the rear. He then crawled to the second machinegun position, and after a short fire fight forced 2 more German soldiers to surrender. At this time, the third machinegun fired at him, and while deadly small arms fire pitted the earth around him, 2d Lt. Shea crawled toward the nest. Suddenly he stood up and rushed the emplacement and with well-directed fire from his rifle, he killed all 3 of the enemy machine gunners. 2d Lt. Shea's display of personal valor was an inspiration to the officers and men of his company". His Medal was awarded to him on January 12, 1945.
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He served during World War II in the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant in Company F, 350th Infantry. 88th Infantry Division. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery near Mount Damiano, Italy, on May 12, 1944. His citation reads "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. As 2d Lt. Shea and his company were advancing toward a hill occupied by the enemy, 3 enemy machineguns suddenly opened fire, inflicting heavy casualties upon the company and halting its advance. 2d Lt. Shea immediately moved forward to eliminate these machinegun nests in order to enable his company to continue its attack. The deadly hail of machinegun fire at first pinned him down, but, boldly continuing his advance, 2d Lt. Shea crept up to the first nest. Throwing several hand grenades, he forced the 4 enemy soldiers manning this position to surrender, and disarming them, he sent them to the rear. He then crawled to the second machinegun position, and after a short fire fight forced 2 more German soldiers to surrender. At this time, the third machinegun fired at him, and while deadly small arms fire pitted the earth around him, 2d Lt. Shea crawled toward the nest. Suddenly he stood up and rushed the emplacement and with well-directed fire from his rifle, he killed all 3 of the enemy machine gunners. 2d Lt. Shea's display of personal valor was an inspiration to the officers and men of his company". His Medal was awarded to him on January 12, 1945.
Bio by: RPD2
Inscription
CHARLES W
SHEA
MEDAL OF HONOR
COLONEL
US ARMY
WORLD WAR II
AUG 24 1921
APR 7 1994
Family Members
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