William Edward Shuck, Jr.
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Medal of Honor Recipient
Korean War

William Edward Shuck, Jr. was born in Cumberland, MD, on 16 August 1926 and grew up in Ridgeley, WV. He was a 1944 graduate of Ridgeley High School and was a member of the Naval Reserve from 1944 to 1946. On 14 November 1947, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. During the Korean War, Shuck was a machine gun squad leader in the 7th Marines, First Marine Division. On 3 July 1952, during an assault against an enemy position, Shuck was killed by sniper fire while helping to evacuate casualties. For his heroic actions on that day, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company G, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.)

Place and date: Korea, 3 July 1952

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 2 squads into an attacking force and led 2 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.

The Medal of Honor was presented to SSgt Shuck's widow by Vice President Richard M. Nixon at a presentation ceremony held at the Marine Barracks, Washington, DC, on 9 September 1953.

Medals & Awards

Medal of Honor
Purple Heart
Combat Action Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation

Honors

Shuck Hall on Marine Corps Base Quantico is named in his honor.

Death and Burial

Staff Sergeant William Edward Shuck, Jr. was killed in action on 3 July 1952. He is buried at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Cumberland, Allegany County, MD.