Clarence Lee Shaw
Specialist Four, U.S. Army

Clarence Lee Shaw was born on 13 May 1947, the son of Richard D. and Frances E. Shaw. His father served as a Technician Fifth Grade in the U.S. Army.

On 7 November 1967, Specialist Four Clarence Lee Shaw was serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in South Vietnam.

On that day, SPC4 Shaw was serving as acting sergeant of an infantry unit on a 2-company search and destroy operation near Loc Ninh. SPC4 Shaw and his squad were providing flank security for his company when forward elements located and killed an enemy sniper. A large Viet Cong force then triggered a savage attack on the entire unit with Claymore mines, automatic weapons and small arms fire. After deploying his squad in an effective defensive perimeter, he repeatedly exposed himself to the intense barrage to locate the targets and direct fire on the enemy positions inflicting heavy casualties on his unit. He was seriously wounded when the Viet Cong began hitting his position with rocket fire, and his squad was ordered to join the main body of the company. SPC4 Shaw directed his men to move back while he remained behind to cover their withdrawal. The Viet Cong intensified their attack on his position, but instead of seeking shelter, SPC4 Shaw braved the fire and charged the advancing enemy, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers with rifle fire and grenades. He was mortally wounded during the charge. His selfless actions completely disorganized the insurgents and enabled his company to defeat them. SPC4 Shaw's courageous actions and extraordinary heroism, at the cost of his life, earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Clarence Lee Shaw (ASN: RA-67136332), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Specialist Four Shaw distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 November 1967 while serving as acting sergeant of an infantry unit on a two-company search and destroy operation near Loc Ninh. Specialist Shaw and his squad were providing flank security for his company when forward elements located and killed an enemy sniper. A large Viet Cong force immediately triggered a savage attack on the entire unit with claymore mines, automatic weapons and small arms fire. After quickly deploying his squad in an extremely effective defensive perimeter, he repeatedly exposed himself to the intense barrage to locate the targets and direct fire on the enemy positions which inflicted heavy casualties on the determined insurgents. He was seriously wounded when the Viet Cong began hitting his position with accurate rocket fire, and his squad was ordered to join the main body of the company. Completely disregarding his own safety, Specialist Shaw directed his men to move back while he remained behind to cover their movement. The Viet Cong intensified their attack on his position, but instead of seeking shelter, Specialist Shaw braved the withering fire and charged the advancing enemy, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers with rifle fire and grenades. He was mortally wounded while unselfishly placing the lives of his fellow soldiers above his own welfare in the face of grave danger. His gallant actions completely disorganized the insurgents and enabled his company to totally defeat them in a fierce battle. Specialist Four Shaw's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 6501 (December 18, 1967)

Honors

The name Clarence L Shaw is located on Panel 29E Line 44 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Burial

Specialist Four Clarence Lee Shaw is buried at Clearview Cemetery in Ardmore, Carter County, OK.

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