Medal of Honor: Charles W. Shea – World War II – May 12, 1944

Name: Charles W. Shea
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Branch: U.S. Army
War: World War II
Unit: Company F, 350th Infantry, 88th Infantry Division
Date of Action: May 12, 1944
Location: Near Mount Damiano, Italy

Summary of Action

On 12 May 1944, during fierce fighting near Mount Damiano, Second Lieutenant Charles W. Shea distinguished himself while leading his men against entrenched German positions in Italy.

As his company advanced toward an enemy-held hill, three German machine guns suddenly opened fire.

The devastating barrage tore into the American ranks, inflicting heavy casualties and completely halting the attack.

Realizing the advance could not continue while the machine guns remained active, Shea moved forward alone to destroy them.

Enemy fire immediately pinned him down.

Bullets ripped through the ground around him as the German guns concentrated on his position.

But Shea refused to stop.

Crawling steadily forward under the deadly fire, he reached the first machine-gun nest and hurled hand grenades into the emplacement.

The stunned German crew surrendered.

After disarming the four enemy soldiers, he sent them to the rear and continued his assault.

He then crawled toward the second machine-gun position.

Following a short but violent firefight, he forced the two German defenders there to surrender as well.

The third machine gun immediately opened fire on him.

Small-arms rounds slammed into the earth all around him as Shea crawled closer and closer to the position.

Then, in a sudden burst of aggression, he rose to his feet and charged directly at the emplacement.

Firing his rifle with deadly accuracy, he killed all three enemy machine gunners.

With the enemy strongpoints destroyed, the American attack resumed.

His fearless actions broke the German resistance at a critical moment and inspired every man in his company.

His extraordinary courage and determination reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

SHEA, CHARLES W.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty, on 12 May 1944, near Mount Damiano, Italy. 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.