Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
John
Baird
Shinberger
1908-05-26

–

1959-02-10

Born:

Greensboro

, 

North Carolina

Home:

Norfolk

, 

Virginia

Buried: 

West Point

, 

New York

Cemetery:

United States Military Academy Cemetery

John Shinberger graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1933. He was one of the key organizers of the First Service Force (Devil’s Brigade) during World War II. He retired with disability in 1947 as a U.S. Army Colonel. In retirement he attended and graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary. He was ordained a deacon in the Episcopal Church in 1949, ordained a priest in 1950, and served as rector of Madison Parish, which included Saint Peter’s Church in Purcellville, St. Paul’s Church in Hamilton, and Mount Calvary Church in Round Hill, Virginia. He took his own life in 1959.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    60th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    9th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Colonel (Infantry) John Baird Shinberger, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Belgium, in 1944. Colonel Shinberger single-handedly attacked an enemy tank, receiving from the incident a number of serious wounds. Colonel Shinberger’s outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    60th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    9th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 15, 1944
    Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 1 (1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) John Baird Shinberger, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Normandy, France, on 15 July 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Shinberger, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.