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Daniel J. Shea

1947 – 1969

United States Army Medal of Honor recipient

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About Daniel J. Shea

Lived 1947 – 1969 (aged 22). Daniel J. Shea was an American soldier.

Namesake 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 for him.

Medal of Honor citation Private First Class Shea's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

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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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Education
Norwalk High School
Awards
Medal of Honor; Purple Heart
Also known as
Daniel John Shea

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Daniel J. Shea's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Daniel J. Shea?

United States Army Medal of Honor recipient

When was Daniel J. Shea born?

Daniel J. Shea was born on 29 January 1947 in East Norwalk.

When did Daniel J. Shea die?

Daniel J. Shea died on 14 May 1969 in Quảng Trị.

What was Daniel J. Shea's occupation?

Daniel J. Shea was a soldier.

What nationality was Daniel J. Shea?

Daniel J. Shea was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Daniel J. Shea

· Wikidata: Q5217644

· DBpedia: Daniel J. Shea

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Daniel J. Shea. https://biography.guide/daniel-j-shea-soldier/

MLA: "Daniel J. Shea." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/daniel-j-shea-soldier/.

Chicago: "Daniel J. Shea." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/daniel-j-shea-soldier/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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