Navy Federal Credit Union

After earning the Distinguished Service Cross in May 1969, Edward Shaughnessy was killed in action on June 11, 1969.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    52d Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade

    Division:

    23d Infantry Division (Americal)

    Action Date:

    May 12, 1969

    Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 3786 (October 7, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Edward Jerome Shaughnessy, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 52d Infantry, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. Private First Class Shaughnessy distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 May 1969 while defending Landing Zone Stinson. A numerically superior enemy force breached the landing zone’s defensive perimeter and quickly captured several bunkers under cover of intense rocket and mortar barrages. On perimeter guard at the time of attack, Private Shaughnessy left his bunker and rushed through the storm of incoming projectiles to take up a position close to where the sappers were concentrating their assault. He slowed the sappers’ infiltration with heavy volumes of strafing machine gun fire. When the gun malfunctioned, he again ran under fire to another friendly emplacement to obtain hand grenades. He then charged one occupied bunker and eliminated its captors with well-placed grenades. Seeing a team of sappers cutting their way through the perimeter wire, he repelled the intruders by unleashing on them the remainder of his grenades. Private Shaughnessy then secured two M-72 Light Anti-tank Weapons, maneuvered close to the last enemy-held fortifications, and destroyed them. Private First Class Shaughnessy’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.