SHIELDS, MARVIN G.

Rank and organization: Construction Mechanic Third Class, U.S. Navy, Seabee Team

Place: Dong Xoai, Republic of Vietnam

Date: 10 June 1965

Entered service at: Seattle, Washington

Born: 30 December 1939, Port Townsend, Washington

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 machine guns, 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 machine gun 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 machine gun 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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--- General / Personal ---

Last name: SHIELDS
First name: MARVIN GLEN
Home of Record (official): PORT TOWNSEND
State (official): WA
Date of Birth: Saturday, December 30, 1939
Sex: Male
Race: Caucasian
Marital Status: Married

--- Military ---

Branch: Navy
Rank: CMA3
Serial Number: 3904693
Component: Regular
Pay grade: E4
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): CMA3

--- Action ---

Start of Tour: Unknown/Not reported
Date of Casualty: Thursday, June 10, 1965
Age at time of loss: 25
Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died
Reason: Gun, small arms fire (Ground casualty)
Country: South VietNam
Province: Quang Ngai
The Wall: Panel 02E - Row 007

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