Arthur Virgil Shields

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Arthur Virgil Shields, Electrician’s Mate First Class, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while serving aboard Infantry Landing Craft U.S.S. LCI(L), FOUR HUNDRED FIFTEEN (LCL(L)-415), during the amphibious assault on the Normandy Coast of France on 6 June 1944. Electrician’s Mate First Class Shields unhesitatingly plunged to the aid of two drowning soldiers in water under enemy shellfire on the Omaha Beach Although tired from swimming ashore with grapnel and line to test the depth of the water before disembarking troops, and although he had voluntarily made the trip once through shrapnel-splashed water, Electrician’s Mate First Class Shields did not hesitate to jump in once more when he saw the two soldiers in dire need of aid. Through his efforts, the lives of these men were saved and they were carried through the deep water to the shore. Later, he went aboard the U.S.S. LCI(L)-416 disabled on the beach because of mines and shellfire. In helping to carry a wounded member of the crew of that ship along the beach, Electrician’s Mate First Class Shields was killed by shrapnel. His exceptional courage and valiant devotion to duty in the face of grave danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 337 (April 1945)