Seabee Veterans of American Memorial Service
Marvin Shields 40th Honor Ceremony
December 30, 1939 - June 10, 1965
November 11, 2005

The Seabee Veterans of America conduct Memorial services twice a year at the Gardiner Cemetery near Port Townsend, WA. These two events are held on Veterans Day and Memorial Day. These are photos from the November Veterans Day Service honoring Marvin G. Shields.

Medal of Honor 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 re-supply 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 never the less 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 towards their objective with a 3.5 inch rocket launcher, they succeeded in destroying the enemy machine gun emplacement, this 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."

Photos and Information by Donal J. Egelus EQCM USN (Retired)