The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Sergeant Charles Norman Shay (ASN: 31308724), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of the Medical Company, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 3 July 1951, the 3d Battalion, to which Sergeant Shay was attached, was engaged in the bitter struggle for Hill 717, near Sabong-song, Korea. Sergeant Shay, although assigned in the battalion aid station, went forward to the embattled areas to assist his men in the treatment and evacuation of the wounded. Repeatedly exposing himself to the deadly enemy small arms, automatic weapons and grenade barrage, he administered medical aid to the stricken soldiers. Sergeant Shay’s heroism and altruistic concern for his comrades reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Sergeant Charles Norman Shay (ASN: 31308724), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force while serving with the Medical Company, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 16 February 1951, near Chonyon-ni, Korea, Sergeant Shay, a member of a litter team, was going to the aid of casualties, who had been wounded in an attack on Hill 287. Suddenly, Sergeant Shay and other members of the team were subjected to a heavy barrage of enemy small arms and mortar fire. Despite the intense fire being directed at him, Sergeant Shay voluntarily and with complete disregard for his own safety, continually exposed himself to the enemy fire by moving across open terrain to carry the wounded to the safety of a reverse slope and down the hill to the litter jeeps. His actions were instrumental in saving the lives of many of the wounded in the company. Sergeant Shay’s heroism and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.