THOMAS J. M. SHEA, Specialist Four, United States Army, Company A, 3d Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Four Shea distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 May 1969 while serving as a member in the defense of Landing Zone Penny. During the early morning hours enemy mortars and rockets began raining on the base. A force of North Vietnamese quickly penetrated the barbed wire barrier and swarmed into the camp flinging satchel charges. Taking control of a machine gun bunker, the hostile force began firing the fifty-caliber weapon at mortar and artillery positions within the perimeter. Specialist Shea quickly crawled toward the enemy position and silenced it with hand grenades. Then, after securing an M-16 rifle, he made his way toward the tactical operations center which was the target for the main invading force. As he approached, the communists unleashed a torrent of small arms fire. Specialist Shea was knocked to the ground when a round struck him in the leg. He crawled to a machine gun position where he secured the weapon and walked directly toward the enemy with the machine gun blazing. His aggressive assault forced the hostile soldiers back, enabling a reaction force to sweep in and secure the perimeter. Specialist Four Shea’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Mr. Shea was awarded the DSC by the Army 15 years after the action. Mr. Shea resides in Vermont.