TFH 7/3: Staff Sergeant William E. Shuck, Jr., USMC

William Edward Shuck, Jr. was born on August 16, 1926 in Cumberland, Maryland. He grew up just south of there across the north branch of the Potomac River in Ridgeley, West Virginia. Shuck's service to our nation began in the waning days of World War II when he joined the United States Navy Reserve at age 18 in 1944. He remained with the Navy Reserve until 1946. On November 14, 1947 he enlisted with the United States Marine Corps and became an infantryman.

On July 3, 1952 - exactly 60 years ago - Shuck was a machine gun squad leader with Company G, 3rd Battalion ("The Cutting Edge"), 7th Marine Regiment ("Prepare to March"). The regiment was part of the larger 1st Marine Division ("No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy"). While in the attack, Shuck was already wounded when the leader of an adjacent rifle squad was taken out. He immediately took charge, integrated the other Marines with his machine gunners, and resumed the assault - until a sniper's bullet claimed his life. For his courage, intrepidity, and inspiration to his fellow Marines, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.


From Medal of Honor Citations for the Korean War:


*SHUCK, WILLIAM E., JR.


Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company G, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place and date: Korea, 3 July 1952. Entered service at: Cumberland, Md. Born. 16 August 1926, Cumberland, Md. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader of Company G, in action against enemy aggressor forces. When his platoon was subjected to a devastating barrage of enemy small-arms, grenade, artillery, and mortar fire during an assault against strongly fortified hill positions well forward of the main line of resistance, S/Sgt. Shuck, although painfully wounded, refused medical attention and continued to lead his machine gun squad in the attack. Unhesitatingly assuming command of a rifle squad when the leader became a casualty, he skillfully organized the 2 squads into an attacking force and led 2 more daring assaults upon the hostile positions. Wounded a second time, he steadfastly refused evacuation and remained in the foremost position under heavy fire until assured that all dead and wounded were evacuated. Mortally wounded by an enemy sniper bullet while voluntarily assisting in the removal of the last casualty, S/Sgt. Shuck, by his fortitude and great personal valor in the face of overwhelming odds, served to inspire all who observed him. His unyielding courage throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Staff Sergeant Shuck rests in peace in the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Cumberland.


3rd Battalion, 7th Marines is today still part of the 1st Marine Division and is currently deployed to Afghanistan as part of Regimental Combat Team 6. When not deployed defending us against the enemies of liberty, 3/7 Marines is home based at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California.