Charles Shay, a renowned Native American veteran, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 101. Shay was a 19-year-old U.S. Army medic when he landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, where he played a crucial role in saving numerous lives. His bravery and selflessness earned him the Silver Star, as well as France’s highest award, the Legion of Honor, in 2007.
Shay, a member of the Penobscot tribe from Indian Island in Maine, had been living in France since 2018, near the shores of Normandy where he had fought during World War II. According to his longtime friend and caregiver, Marie-Pascale Legrand, Shay died peacefully at his home in Bretteville-L’Orgueilleuse, surrounded by his loved ones.
Heroism on D-Day
On D-Day, June 6, 1944, Shay repeatedly risked his life to rescue critically wounded soldiers from the sea, carrying them to safety and saving them from drowning. His actions that day were nothing short of heroic, and he was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery. Shay’s experiences during the war had a profound impact on him, and he later spoke about the trauma he witnessed and the lives he helped save.
In a 2019 interview with CBS News, Shay recalled the chaos and carnage of D-Day, saying, “Mortars and artillery coming at us… When the ramp went down, the men that were standing in the front, some of them were killed immediately.” Despite the danger, Shay continued to tend to the wounded, often putting himself in harm’s way to do so.
A Life of Service
After the war, Shay reenlisted in the military and went on to serve in the Korean War. He also participated in U.S. nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands and later worked at the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Austria. Shay’s dedication to service and his commitment to peace were evident throughout his life, and he spent many years spreading a message of peace and reconciliation.
In recent years, Shay had become a prominent figure in D-Day commemorations, attending ceremonies and sharing his powerful testimony with others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was often the only veteran present at these events, and his presence served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II.
Legacy of Peace
Shay’s legacy extends far beyond his military service. He was a tireless advocate for peace and worked to promote understanding and reconciliation between nations. In 2022, he handed over the task of performing a sage-burning ceremony on Omaha Beach to another Native American veteran, Julia Kelly, saying, “Ukraine is a very sad situation. I feel sorry for the people there and I don’t know why this war had to come… In 1944, I landed on these beaches and we thought we’d bring peace to the world. But it’s not possible.”
Shay’s passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes and condolences from around the world. The Charles Shay Memorial group, which honors the memory of Native American veterans who served in World War II, said in a statement, “Our hearts are deeply saddened as we share that our beloved Charles Norman Shay… has returned home to the Creator and the Spirit World.” Shay’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations, and his story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of peace, service, and sacrifice.
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