West Point in Orange County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Richard Thomas Shea, Jr.
Richard Thomas Shea, Jr.
First Lieutenant, Infantry
for action near
Sokkogae, Korea, 6 to 8 July 1953
“ . . . He was supervising the reinforcement of defensive positions when the enemy attacked with great numerical superiority . . . He organized and led a counterattack . . . and killed two hostile soldiers with his trench knife. Calmly moving among the men . . . he fought side by side with them throughout the night. . . . The Hostile force pressed the assault. . . . Lieutenant Shea and his gallant men drove back the hostile troops. . . . (He) rallied a group of 20 men and again charged the enemy. Although wounded in this action, he refused evacuation and continued to lead the counterattack. When the assaulting element was pinned down by heavy machinegun fire, he personally rushed the emplacement and . . . killed three of the enemy. . . . On 8 July, the enemy attacked again. Despite additional wounds, he launched a determined counterattack and was last seen in close hand-to-hand combat with the enemy. . . . ”
Class of 1952
Erected by Class of 1939.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, Korean. In addition, it is included in the Medal of Honor Recipients series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 8, 1953.
Location. 41° 23.903′ N, 73° 57.859′ W. Marker is in West Point, New York, in Orange County. Marker is on Townsley Road, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located at Shea Stadium, on the grounds of the U.S. Military Academy. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: West Point NY 10996, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Shea Stadium (here, next to this marker); USMA Class of 1952 Memorial (a few steps from this marker); 1st Lt. Louis J. Storck (within shouting distance of this marker); Anderson Memorial Fountain (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wood Monument (about 700 feet away); Anna Bartlett Warner (about 700 feet away); Susan Warner (about 700 feet away); Frederick Dent Grant (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Point.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 28, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 476 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 28, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.