Marvin Glenn Shields

Marvin Glenn Shields was a United States Navy Seabee who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War. Serving as a Construction Mechanic Third Class with Seabee Team 1104, Shields distinguished himself during the Battle of Dong Xoai. He was the first and only Seabee to receive the nation's highest military decoration, and the first U.S. Navy sailor to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in the Vietnam War.

During the intense battle, Shields was wounded but continued to assist in defending the military compound against a heavily armed Viet Cong regiment. Over a period of nearly three hours, he fought bravely, supplied ammunition to his comrades, and helped carry a critically wounded officer to safety despite being wounded a second time.

Shields' final act of extraordinary heroism involved volunteering to accompany his commanding officer to destroy an enemy machine gun position that was pinning down the friendly forces. Although mortally wounded during this successful mission, his courage and self-sacrifice saved lives and inspired his fellow defenders, cementing his legacy in Navy and Seabee history.