Charles Shay, a decorated Native American veteran, passed away at 101 in Bretteville-L’Orgueilleuse, Normandy, where he had lived since 2018. He served as a medic during D-Day, notably saving many soldiers from drowning at Omaha Beach, for which he received the Silver Star and France’s Légion d’Honneur.
Shay was a Penobscot from Maine, and despite facing hardships related to discrimination in his home state, he re-enlisted after the war and served in the Korean War, later working with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
For over 60 years, he refrained from discussing his WWII experiences but began to share his story at commemorative events starting in 2007. He held sage-burning ceremonies to honor fallen soldiers and recently expressed sadness over the resumption of war in Europe, reflecting on his hopes for peace after WWII.
The Charles Shay Memorial Society paid tribute to Shay, highlighting his legacy of service, courage, and family. He is remembered as a loving individual and a hero who left a lasting impact.
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