Ellis Harry Shields

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Ellis Harry Shields, Chief Pharmacist’s Mate, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman with FORTIETH Naval Construction Battalion (Seabee), attached to a task force during the invasion of the Admiralty Islands on 4 March 1944. Chief Pharmacist’s Mate Shields left his foxhole against orders to administer to the wounded and dying. He was killed while returning to his foxhole after giving first aid to the wounded. By his courage and efforts in behalf of others at great risk to his own life, Chief Pharmacist’s Mate Shields undoubtedly saved many lives, and his steadfast devotion to duty throughout was 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. 330 (September 1944)