Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Marine Observation Squadron 6 (VMO-6)

    Division:

    1st Marine Aircraft Wing

    Action Date:

    June 16, 1966

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain John Michael Shields (MCSN: 0-77239), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with Marine Observation Squadron SIX (VMO-6), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the vicinity of Tam Ky, Republic of Vietnam on 16 June 1966. Serving as Section Leader of a flight of two armed UH-1E helicopters, Captain Shields was engaged in action against an enemy battalion which under the cover of darkness had surround and threatened to overrun an eighteen-man Marine Reconnaissance Team. With utter disregard for his own safety, he made low, deliberate flights over the enemy to draw fire in order to accurately pinpoint weapons positions. In so doing, he also diverted fire from the beleaguered team, whose personnel were all dead or wounded and perilously low on ammunition. Captain Shields then led his section in accurate rocket and machine gun attacks literally into the enemy muzzle flashes and continued to make dummy runs even after all of his ammunition was expended and his aircraft had been struck repeatedly by automatic weapons fire. With superior skill and iron determination, he directed a flare plane in drops over the enemy positions while continuing his low passes in order to mark exposed positions with smoke grenades. Captain Shields’ direction of fixed wing attack aircraft was so accurate that wave after wave of the attacking enemy was repulsed even under the cover of darkness. Departing the battle only when forced to do so by a dangerously low fuel state, he later refueled and rearmed to lead and control the helicopter assault landing of a large relief force of Marines. Because of his knowledge of the enemy dispositions, attained at great personal risk, Captain Shields was selected to control the landing. Again he brought devastating attacks on the enemy and the landing was successful. For a sustained period of four hours, he performed heroically and contributed to the ultimate defeat of the enemy unit and rescue of the team of Marines. By his courage, exemplary leadership and inspiring devotion to duty, Captain Shields upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.