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BAYEUX, France — Master Sgt. (Ret.) Charles Norman Shay, a highly decorated combat medic who served in both World War II and the Korean War, was formally inducted into the Order of Military Medical Merit (O2M3) during a bedside ceremony in Bayeux, France, on November 19, 2025.
Shay, a member of the Penobscot Nation of Maine, is widely regarded as one of the most distinguished Native American Soldiers of World War II.
Drafted in 1943 at age 19, he trained as a combat medic and joined the 16th Infantry Regiment of the 1st Infantry Division.
On June 6, 1944, he was among the first wave to land on Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasion. Under intense enemy fire and the rapidly rising tide, Shay repeatedly waded into the surf to rescue wounded Soldiers, pulling them to safety and administering lifesaving care. His heroism that morning earned him the Silver Star, one of the U.S. Army’s highest decorations for valor.
Following the Normandy landings, Shay continued through the European campaign, serving in major battles including Aachen, the Hürtgen Forest, and the Ardennes. He was later captured and held as a prisoner of war until liberation in 1945.
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.
Throughout his distinguished career, Shay also received the French Legion of Honour in recognition of his role in the liberation of France.
Brig. Gen. Roger S. Giraud, Commanding General, U.S. Army Medical Readiness Command–Europe, reflected on Shay’s legacy during the presentation.
“It is a profound honor to present Master Sergeant (Retired) Charles Norman Shay with the Order of Military Medical Merit,” Giraud said. “His extraordinary courage as a combat medic on D-Day and his unwavering commitment to saving lives under extreme danger embody the highest ideals of Army Medicine. Master Sergeant Shay’s actions saved countless Soldiers and left an enduring mark on our Army and on history. His legacy of bravery, compassion, and selfless service makes him richly deserving of this distinguished award.”
The ceremony was made possible through close coordination with the Normandy Institute. Dorothea de La Houssaye, who has long supported Shay and championed efforts to preserve the memory of Allied veterans in Normandy, assisted in organizing the event and in ensuring that Shay received the recognition he earned. Her efforts, alongside those of her team, helped bring together the Army medical community, Shay’s family, and local caretakers for this significant moment.
Marie-Pascale Legrand, Shay’s longtime caregiver, also spoke about her dedication to supporting him in his later years.
“We are free today because of men like Charles,” Legrand said. “Caring for him is an honor. We owe a great debt to these veterans who sacrificed so much.”
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.
Now residing in France, Shay has spent many years sharing his story with Soldiers, veterans, and visitors along the Normandy coast. He is especially known for leading annual remembrance moments on Omaha Beach, where he honors the fallen and highlights the contributions of Native American service members.
Shay’s niece, Dawn Kelly, shared what the moment meant to their family.
“He means so much to me,” Kelly said. “I’m grateful to be here with him now.”
U.S. Army Europe and Africa leadership presented the Order of Medical Merit to Shay at his bedside. The intimate setting underscored both the significance of the moment and the profound respect he was held in across the Army medical community.
Shay’s legacy as a medic, a warrior, and a tireless advocate for remembrance continues to inspire generations of Soldiers and medical professionals throughout the force.
