Navy Federal Credit Union

Joseph Shea graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1964.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Fighter Squadron 211 (VF-211)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31)

    Action Date:

    May 19, 1967

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Joseph Merrill Shea, Jr. (NSN: 0-678595/1310), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a pilot flying jet fighter aircraft attached to and serving with Fighter Squadron TWO HUNDRED ELEVEN (VF-211), embarked in U.S.S. BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31) on 19 May 1967. While on a very special and important mission against the Hanoi Thermal Power Plant in Hanoi, North Vietnam, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Shea was wingman to the flight leader of six F-8 aircraft assigned to escort and provide target combat patrol for a group of A-4 aircraft. When en route to the target the flight was subjected to intense anti-aircraft fire of all calibers, a vicious surface-to-air missile barrage and slashing attacks by MiG fighters. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Shea displayed extraordinary gallantry and determination at great personal risk by at all times covering the flight leader while protecting the vulnerable A-4 aircraft. In an aerial engagement that began as the bombers retired from the target, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Shea, by his superior airmanship and boundless courage, shot down a MiG-17 with a SIDEWINDER missile while at the same time he was evading surface-to-air missiles and calmly ignoring the heavy flak all around him. His heroic action and flawless devotion to duty while exposed to prolonged personal hazard from the enemy defenses were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.