Honoring the Life and Legacy of Charles Norman Shay

FORT RILEY, Kansas -- The Big Red One Family mourns the passing of Charles Norman Shay, an American Soldier and combat medic of the 1st Infantry Division, 16th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Company F. A proud member of the Penobscot Nation, Shay lived 101 years, embodying courage, compassion, and devotion to freedom.

In 1943, nearly a year after he had graduated from high school, Shay was drafted in the U.S. Army and served as a combat medic. When he landed on the beaches of Normandy, he was a 19-year-old private. Young and terrified like many of those around him, Shay was an ordinary man asked to do extraordinary things.

While under some of the most extreme combat conditions ever recorded, Shay moved up and down the beach working tirelessly to treat the wounded and the dying. A memorial, dedicated to Shay and erected in 2017 along the beach at Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, tells of Shay repeatedly plunging into the treacherous sea, carrying critically wounded comrades to safety under heavy fire.

Shay's crawl back through the tides and up the beaches of Normandy turned into a journey that would take him through Aachen, Hurtgen and the Ardennes. He would participate in every battle the Big Red One fought in until his capture by German troops in Belgium after which he spent three weeks in captivity before the war finally came to an end. His actions on Omaha Beach earned him the Silver Star.

After World War II, Shay reenlisted and went on to serve in the Korean War with the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. His courage while treating and evacuating wounded Soldiers resulted in multiple Bronze Star Medals with the "V" device recognizing his repeated acts of valor.

Shay's heritage and service were inseparable. As a true warrior, he carried forward traditions of honor and resilience. In later years, he returned to Normandy to perform ceremonies for the fallen, ensuring their sacrifice would never be forgotten. His life reminds us that the contributions of American Soldiers are woven into the story of our nation's freedom and remain a lasting testament to courage and sacrifice. His legacy reflects the attributes of the Big Red One Soldier's commitment to warfighting and taking care of Soldiers.

Residing in France for nearly a decade, Shay spent many years sharing his story with Soldiers, veterans, and visitors along the Normandy coast. He was especially known for leading annual remembrance moments on Omaha Beach, where he honored the fallen and highlighted the contributions of Native American service members.

He was formally inducted into The Order of Military Medical Merit on November 19, 2025. The Order of Military Medical Merit recognizes individuals who have made exceptional, lasting contributions to the Army Medical Department. Shay's induction reflects not only his heroic wartime service, but also his decades-long dedication to remembrance and education.

Shay's legacy as a medic, a warrior, and a tireless advocate for remembrance will continue to inspire generations of Soldiers and medical professionals throughout the force.

The 1st Infantry Division honors his memory, service, and sacrifice. The legacy of Charles Shay and the First Division remain steadfast in the hearts of all those who have worn the #BigRedOne.