Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Division:

    9th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 6, 1944

    Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 83 (June 5, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Martin F. Shaughnessy (ASN: 0-1303609), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy on 6 September 1944 while serving with the 9th Infantry Division in the vicinity of Dinant, Belgium. During an advance against strongly defended enemy positions, Lieutenant Shaughnessy, as Forward Observer, moved forward with the assault elements of the Infantry. Despite the intense enemy artillery and small arms fire, he continued to adjust effective supporting fire on the enemy emplacements and concentrations. With complete disregard for personal safety, he frequently exposed himself to the heavy enemy fire in order to go to the aid of the wounded. Maintaining constant control of the men in his unit, he moved among them in order to direct and control their fire and movement at all times. Subjected to a fierce counterattack by a numerically superior enemy force, he directed the orderly withdrawal of his men to a more strategic defensive position, preventing the enemy troops from exploiting their advantage. Lieutenant Shaughnessy’s aggressive leadership, devotion to duty, and courageous actions contributed materially to the success of the operations and were a credit to himself and to the Armed Forces of the United States.