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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Navy Sea Bee Marvin Glenn Shields.
Medal of Honor
Episode 2992 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Navy Seabee Marvin Glenn Shields. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and a story on The Greater Good website.
Marvin Glenn Shields was a true American hero. Born in 1939 in Washington state, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1962 and became a Seabee, a member of the Navy’s Construction Battalion. Shields was deployed to Vietnam in 1965 with Seabee Team 1104, tasked with building infrastructure and supporting U.S. and allied forces.
On June 9, 1965, Shields and his team were stationed at Dong Xoai, a remote Special Forces camp, when it was attacked by a large Viet Cong force. Outnumbered and under heavy fire, Shields fought courageously, resupplying his fellow Seabees and Green Berets with ammunition and defending the compound. Despite being wounded twice, he refused to quit.
Realizing the dire situation, Shields volunteered to help destroy a Viet Cong machine gun nest that was devastating their position. With Green Beret Charles “Jack” Williams, he charged through intense enemy fire and successfully took out the enemy position. Shortly after, Shields was mortally wounded.
For his extraordinary heroism and selfless sacrifice, Marvin Glenn Shields was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, becoming the first and only U.S. Navy Seabee to receive this honor. His legacy lives on through the USS Marvin Shields (FF-1066) and numerous Seabee facilities named in his honor.
Shields’ bravery, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice exemplify the Seabee motto: “Can Do!” His story continues to inspire generations of U.S. Navy personnel and all who value courage and service.
Listen to Episode 2992 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Navy Seabee Marvin Glenn Shields.
