Charles Norman Shay of Indian Island Honored Today
June 6, 2007 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci honored Charles Norman Shay of Indian Island today as he proclaimed June 6, 2007, as Native American Veterans History Day in the State of Maine.
“Sixty-three years ago today, Charles Norman Shay was a 19-year-old combat medic in the 16th Regiment of the First Infantry Division,” Governor Baldacci said. “His unit was one of the first to land on Omaha Beach as part of the D-Day invasion. The division sustained about 1,000 casualties that day. Charles Norman Shay survived landing on Omaha Beach and did so while helping others survive as well.”
Shay earned a Silver Star for his heroism on D-Day. Shay was captured by Nazis in 1945, survived the German POW camps and eventually returned home to Maine. Shay returned to action serving in the Korean War as a combat medic. In the Korean War, he was promoted to Master Sergeant and awarded the Bronze Star.
“It is clear than Mr. Shay is deserving of recognition, as are the other Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet and Micmac veterans of this country’s wars,” the Governor said.
“I would like to pay special tribute to all Veterans who have paid the ultimate price in their service to this country,” Charles Norman Shay said at the press conference. “I would like to pay tribute to those who have been wounded, some very seriously. I would like to pay tribute to those who have been fortunate enough to return unharmed.”
The Governor presented the proclamation for June 6, 2007, to honor all Native American Veterans and to honor Mr. Shay for his service during World War II, the Korean War and the Cold War. In World War II, there were more than 150 Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet and Micmac men and women living in Maine who enlisted in the military during World War II. Total, there were approximately 30,000 Native Americans enlisted throughout the country.
“Native Americans – like many other Americans – have contributed greatly in service to their country over many decades. Unfortunately, the part they have played in protecting their country has been neglected,” Governor Baldacci said. “We are here today to issue public recognition that is long overdue.”
Charles Norman Shay, originally from Indian Island, returned home five years ago.
Source: Maine Governor
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June 2007 Reports
Last updated on June 09, 2007