Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade (MC) Richard O’Brien Shea, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism as Assistant Surgeon with the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action at Chateau-Thierry, France, on 6 June 1918. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Shea displayed extraordinary heroism treating the wounded while under heavy bombardment. He showed utter disregard of his personal safety in order to succor others.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant (MC)

    Regiment:

    5th Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    World War I
    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Order No. 64 (1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Lieutenant (MC) Richard O’B Shea, United States Navy, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION A.E.F., for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Lieutenant Shea distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as Assistant Surgeon attached to the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action against the enemy in the Chateau-Thierry Sector, France, during World War I.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant (MC)

    Regiment:

    5th Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1918

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant (MC) Richard O’B Shea, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism as Assistant Surgeon with the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, 6 June 1918, during the attack on Hill No. 142, in treating wounded under heavy bombardment. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Shea showed utter disregard of personal danger.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant (MC)

    Regiment:

    5th Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 1918
    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Order No. 40 (1918)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Lieutenant (MC) Richard O’B Shea, United States Navy, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION A.E.F., for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Lieutenant Shea distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as Assistant Surgeon attached to the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action at Bois de Belleau, France, in June 1918, in treating the wounded while under heavy bombardment.