Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Robert
Joseph
O’Shea
POW (Korea)

Born:

St. Thomas

, 

Virgin Islands

Home:

St. Thomas

, 

Virgin Islands

Robert O’Shea graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1947.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Headquarters Battalion

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    November 14, 1950 – January 30, 1951

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Robert Joseph O’Shea (MCSN: 0-48902), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as an Aerial Observer in an unarmed Observation Plane attached to Headquarters Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, from 14 November 1950 to 30 January 1951. Completing thirty-five missions during this period, First Lieutenant O’Shea carried out daring observation flights in a slow, unarmed aircraft while spotting for friendly artillery and locating enemy strong points. By his skill, courage and loyal devotion to duty in the face of grave hazards, he contributed materially to the success of his unit and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Marine Observation Squadron 6 (VMO-6)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Korean War)

    Action Date:

    July 2, 1951 – August 31, 1953
    NARA Database: Repatriated Korean Conflict Prisoners of War, 7/5/1950 – 10/6/1954

    First Lieutenant Robert J. O’Shea (MCSN: 0-48902), United States Marine Corps, was held as a Prisoner of War after he was shot down and captured during the Korean War on 2 July 1951 and was held until his release on 31 August 1953.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Headquarters Battalion

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    December 3, 1950

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Robert Joseph O’Shea (MCSN: 0-48902), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Aerial Observer in an unarmed Observation Plane attached to Headquarters Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, on 3 December 1950. Spotting approximately three companies of hostile troops waiting to ambush friendly units during the movement of the FIRST Marine Division from Yudam-ni to Hagaru-ri, First Lieutenant O’Shea, although fully aware of the unavailability of close support aircraft and of the lack of sufficient artillery ammunition to conduct an effective attack, requested his radio control party to notify the heavy mortar section that he would mark the enemy positions by dropping smoke grenades and adjust the mortar fire by relaying radio messages. When hostile automatic-weapons fire struck his plane and the engine failed, the pilot succeeded in gliding to the temporary airstrip at Hagaru-ri where he could repair the damaged craft. After the weather had cleared sufficiently to allow close support aircraft to reach the area, First Lieutenant O’Shea contacted the flight and gain flew in through the intense fire to mark the targets for the strike. By his daring tactics and cool courage throughout the action, he contributed materially to the success of the Division in reaching its destination and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.