HomeMy WebLinkAboutPROCLAMATION re Marvin G Shields recognition JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Adiel McKnight,Deputy Clerk of the Board
DATE: March 23, 2026
SUBJECT: PROCLAMATION re: Proclaiming March 25, 2026 as A Day of Recognition
and Honor for Medal of Honor Recipient Marvin Glenn Shields
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
The Medal of Honor is our nation's highest military award, established in 1861 by President Abraham
Lincoln, and awarded to service members who distinguish themselves"conspicuously by gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. "The 25th of March is National Medal of
Honor Day, established in 1991 by President George H. W. Bush on the anniversary of the date the Medal of
Honor was first awarded in 1863.
ANALYSIS:
Marvin Glenn Shields, a son of Jefferson County and graduate of Port Townsend High School, was awarded
the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously by President Lyndon B. Johnson for valor in the Battle of
Dong Xoai (Dong Xoai), Republic of South Vietnam.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Proclamation re: Proclaiming March 25, 2026, As a day of Recognition and Honor for
Medal of Honor Recipient Marvin Glenn Shields.
REVIEWED BY:
3 NO-6
Jo h . Peters, County Administrator Date
PROCLAMATION
A Day of Recognition and Honor for Medal of Honor Recipient Marvin Glenn Shields
WHEREAS, The Medal of Honor is our nation's highest military award, established in 1861 by
President Abraham Lincoln, and awarded to service members who distinguish themselves "conspicuously
by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty."; and
WHEREAS, The 25th of March is National Medal of Honor Day, established in 1991 by President
George H. W. Bush on the anniversary of the date the Medal of Honor was first awarded in 1863 ; and
WHEREAS, Marvin Glenn Shields, a son of Jefferson County and graduate of Port Townsend High
School, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously by President Lyndon B. Johnson for
valor in the Battle of Dong Xoai (bong Xoai), Republic of South Vietnam ;and
WHEREAS, Marvin Shields was the first sailor to receive the Medal of Honor in the Vietnam War
and also the first and only Seabee—the Navy Construction Corps, whose motto is "We Build, We Fight"—
to ever receive the Medal of Honor ; and
WHEREAS, Marvin Shields was stationed with a small Green Beret force on 9 June 1965 when the
camp was attacked by a Vietcong regiment. In the ensuing battle, lasting three days, Shields was wounded
multiple times supporting the Green Berets and helping other wounded to care. Despite his wounds, Shields
volunteered to help destroy a Vietcong machine gun emplacement. The mission was successful, saving his
comrades, but he was mortally wounded ; and
WHEREAS, Marvin Glenn Shields has brought esteemed and lasting distinction and honor to our
community. "His heroic initiative and great personal valor in the face of intense enemy fire sustain and
enhance the finest tradition of the United States Naval Service."The nature of his sacrifice is reflected in his
headstone inscription, "He Died As He Lived, For His Friends."; and
WHEREAS, Joan Bennett, Marvin's widow, lives quietly in our community and reminds us of the
sacrifice of those who serve at home ; and
NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED THAT Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
hereby proclaim March 25, 2026, as
Aa day of Recognition and Honor for Medal of Honor Recipient Marvin Glenn Shields
BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED,that the Board of Commissioners encourage all visitors and
residents of Jefferson County to join in honoring the memory of Marvin Glenn Shields and honoring all Medal
of Honor Recipients of our National Services.
PROCLAIMED this 23`d day of March, 2026.
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SEAL:
Greg Brotherton, Chair
ATTEST: Heather Dudley-Nollette, Member
Carolyn Gallaway, CMC, Clerk of the Board Heidi Eisenhour, Member