Medal of Honor: William E. Shuck Jr. – Korean War, July 3, 1952

William E. Shuck Jr.

Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Conflict: Korean War
Unit: Company G, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced)
Date of Action: July 3, 1952
Location: Korea

Summary of Action: High on the rugged, unforgiving ridgelines of Korea, Staff Sergeant William E. Shuck Jr. found himself at the center of a brutal battle that would test every ounce of courage he possessed. As his platoon advanced against a deeply entrenched enemy, they were met with a ferocious storm of gunfire—automatic weapons, exploding grenades, mortars, and artillery shells tearing the hillside apart. Shuck was hit early in the assault, painfully wounded—but instead of falling back, he shook off the injury, refused medical aid, and pressed forward, determined to keep the momentum alive.

With chaos threatening to unravel the assault, he stepped into the breach. When a rifle squad lost its leader, Shuck took command without hesitation, seamlessly uniting two battered squads into a cohesive fighting force. Under his leadership, the Marines launched not one but two additional assaults, each one pushing closer to the enemy’s fortified positions. Though struck a second time, Shuck again refused to quit. Bleeding and in pain, he held his ground, guiding his Marines under withering fire and personally ensuring that each wounded or fallen man was accounted for and brought to safety.

As the battle raged on, Shuck’s mission was nearly complete. Only one wounded Marine remained exposed, and Shuck, ever the leader, took it upon himself to help carry the man out. It was then, while lifting his brother-in-arms to safety, that a sniper’s bullet found him. Even in death, his final act was one of sacrifice.

Staff Sergeant William Shuck Jr.’s leadership never wavered, his resolve never broke. In the crucible of combat, he stood as an immovable force—fighting not for glory, but for his men. He did not retreat. He did not rest. He fought with everything he had, until he gave everything he had.

Medal of Honor Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader of Company G, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces.

When his platoon was subjected to a devastating barrage of enemy small-arms, grenade, artillery, and mortar fire during an assault against strongly fortified hill positions well forward of the main line of resistance, Staff Sergeant Shuck, although painfully wounded, refused medical attention and continued to lead his machine gun squad in the attack.

Unhesitatingly assuming command of a rifle squad when the leader became a casualty, he skillfully organized the two squads into an attacking force and led two more daring assaults upon the hostile positions. Wounded a second time, he steadfastly refused evacuation and remained in the foremost position under heavy fire until assured that all dead and wounded were evacuated.

Mortally wounded by an enemy sniper bullet while voluntarily assisting in the removal of the last casualty, Staff Sergeant Shuck, by his fortitude and great personal valor in the face of overwhelming odds, served to inspire all who observed him. His unyielding courage throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service.

He gallantly gave his life for his country.