On the night of June 9, 1965, over 2000 NVA soldiers launched a vicious attack on an unfinished SF camp in Dong Xoai, Vietnam.
The camp comprised of only a small Green Beret Team 5th SFG and Navy Seabees NST 1104 who were tasked with constructing it. Amongst the group stood PO3 Marvin Shields and 2LT. Charles Q. Williams.
Under murderous fire and wounded by mortar fire, Shields fought along side Special Forces soldiers against the enemy, carrying up needed ammunition to the firing line. Although wounded again by shrapnel and shot in the jaw, he managed to carry a wounded SF Captain to safety.
In the mean time, 2LT Williams, who took shrapnel in the legs, arms and stomach, led his men into a defensive position, fighting the enemy at close quarters and directing air strikes on the on coming communist horde.
After 4 hours of fighting, and both greatly weakened by their wounds, Shields volunteered to help Lt. Williams in destroying an MG position which was decimating their lines. Williams took a 3.5 rocket launcher in the midst of heavy fire while Shields helped him loaded it. They successfully destroyed the position, and both were wounded a 4th time. Shields was shot in both legs while Williams in the arms and legs.
Bleeding profusely, Williams dragged Shields to cover and directed the evacuation of the wounded. Shields was placed on the chopper but succumbed to his wounds moments after.
After fighting for over 14 hours, the battle subsided and the camp was retaken.
Williams survived the battle and was awarded the Medal of Honor. Shields posthumously received the Medal as well, making him the first and only Navy Seabee to earn it and the first sailor to receive it in the Vietnam War. #hardcore #stayzero #zerofoxtrot