Staff Sergeant William Edward Shuck Jr. was a Marine in the U.S. Marine Corps who was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions on July 3, 1952 in Korea during the Korean War. At the time he was serving with Company G, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein). Shuck was 25 years old.
Shuck was killed in the action for which his medal was awarded. The medal was presented on September 9, 1953. Marine Corps Barracks, Washington, D.C., presented by Vice Pres. Richard M. Nixon to his Widow. He later rose to the rank of Master Sergeant.
Shuck was born on August 16, 1926 in Cumberland, Allegany County, Maryland. He is buried at St. Peters & Paul Catholic Cemetery in Cumberland, Maryland. His medal is held by Soldier & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum, Pittsburgh, PA.
Shuck is one of 153 Medal of Honor recipients from the Korean War and one of 85 credited to Maryland.
Official Medal of Honor citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader of Company G, in action against enemy aggressor forces. When his platoon was subjected to a devastating barrage of enemy small-arms, grenade, artillery, and mortar fire during an assault against strongly fortified hill positions well forward of the main line of resistance, S/Sgt. Shuck, although painfully wounded, refused medical attention and continued to lead his machine-gun squad in the attack. Unhesitatingly assuming command of a rifle squad when the leader became a casualty, he skillfully organized the two squads into an attacking force and led two more daring assaults upon the hostile positions. Wounded a second time, he steadfastly refused evacuation and remained in the foremost position under heavy fire until assured that all dead and wounded were evacuated. Mortally wounded by an enemy sniper bullet while voluntarily assisting in the removal of the last casualty, S/Sgt. Shuck, by his fortitude and great personal valor in the face of overwhelming odds, served to inspire all who observed him. His unyielding courage throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Wounds and death in action
What the citation records about his wounds:
When his platoon was subjected to a devastating barrage of enemy small-arms, grenade, artillery, and mortar fire during an assault against strongly fortified hill positions well forward of the main line of resistance, S/Sgt. Shuck, although painfully wounded, refused medical attention and continued to lead his machine-gun squad in the attack.
- Killed in action during the act for which the medal was awarded (July 3, 1952).
- Age at death: 25
- Resting place: St. Peters & Paul Catholic Cemetery
Other decorations and honors
Besides the Medal of Honor, William Edward Shuck Jr. received:
Source: Wikidata. Gold chips link to our guide to that decoration.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: Korean War.
Life beyond the battlefield
- Education: Ridgeley High School
Source: Wikidata.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Maryland →
Timeline
- August 16, 1926Born in Cumberland, Allegany County, Maryland
- July 3, 1952Act of valor — KoreaAge 25. Company G, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein) Killed in action.
- September 9, 1953Medal of Honor presented posthumouslyMarine Corps Barracks, Washington, D.C., presented by Vice Pres. Richard M. Nixon to his Widow
- Resting placeSt. Peters & Paul Catholic CemeteryCumberland, Maryland
Biography
William Edward Shuck Jr. (August 16, 1926 – July 3, 1952) was a United States Marine who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his "heroic actions" during the Korean War on July 3, 1952.
From the Wikipedia article “William E. Shuck Jr.”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
