Medal of Honor: Richard T. Shea, Jr. – July 8, 1953

Name: Richard T. Shea, Jr.
Rank: First Lieutenant
Conflict: Korean War
Unit: Company A, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, U.S. Army
Date of Action: July 6–8, 1953
Location: Near Sokkogae, Korea

Summary of Action:
In the final brutal days of the Korean War, First Lieutenant Richard T. Shea Jr. became the embodiment of selfless leadership on the contested ridgeline known as Pork Chop Hill. As waves of enemy soldiers launched massive attacks, Shea raced to the most threatened positions, organized counterattacks, and personally fought in the trenches—killing enemy troops with a trench knife and his carbine. Even after being wounded, he refused evacuation, charging machine gun nests and rallying disoriented men from other units to hold the line. On July 8th, facing another overwhelming assault, Shea led yet another counterattack and was last seen locked in hand-to-hand combat. He never returned. His fearless stand and refusal to yield earned him the admiration of all who witnessed it and a place among the bravest warriors in American history.

Medal of Honor Citation:
1st Lt. Shea, executive officer, Company A, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. On the night of 6 July, he was supervising the reinforcement of defensive positions when the enemy attacked with great numerical superiority. Voluntarily proceeding to the area most threatened, he organized and led a counterattack and, in the bitter fighting which ensued, closed with and killed 2 hostile soldiers with his trench knife. Calmly moving among the men, checking positions, steadying and urging the troops to hold firm, he fought side by side with them throughout the night. Despite heavy losses, the hostile force pressed the assault with determination, and at dawn made an all-out attempt to overrun friendly elements. Charging forward to meet the challenge, 1st Lt. Shea and his gallant men drove back the hostile troops. Elements of Company G joined the defense on the afternoon of 7 July, having lost key personnel through casualties. Immediately integrating these troops into his unit, 1st Lt. Shea rallied a group of 20 men and again charged the enemy. Although wounded in this action, he refused evacuation and continued to lead the counterattack. When the assaulting element was pinned down by heavy machine gun fire, he personally rushed the emplacement and, firing his carbine and lobbing grenades with deadly accuracy, neutralized the weapon and killed 3 of the enemy. With forceful leadership and by his heroic example, 1st Lt. Shea coordinated and directed a holding action throughout the night and the following morning. On 8 July, the enemy attacked again. Despite additional wounds, he launched a determined counterattack and was last seen in close hand-to-hand combat with the enemy. 1st Lt. Shea’s inspirational leadership and unflinching courage set an illustrious example of valor to the men of his regiment, reflecting lasting glory upon himself and upholding the noble traditions of the military service.