Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Sergeant Albert J. Shaheen (MCSN: 467635), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Squad Leader in a Platoon of Company C, First Battalion, Fourth Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, Third Amphibious Corps, during action against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Guam in the Marianas Group, from 21 to 26 July 1944. Leading the point of his platoon along the beach under heavy mortar and rifle fire, Sergeant Shaheen braved enemy fire to crawl within hand grenade range of a hostile emplacement and, rushing the enemy, fired his automatic rifle and silenced the position, thereby enabling his platoon to continue the advance. Later in the operation when a Japanese officer attacked him from behind and inflicted two severe saber wounds on his shoulder, he killed the officer with his rifle and, despite his wounds, continued to lead his squad in its attack, personally annihilating seven Japanese before submitting to evacuation. His great personal valor and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on Sergeant Shaheen and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received