By MC1 Michael C. Barton, NMCB 11
NMCB 11 members SW1 Coogan Kennedy (center), recipient of the Marvin Shields Award, CMC Moses Sampson (left) and Cmdr. Steven Stasick, commanding officer, stand behind the Marvin Shields, Medal of Honor Citation Memorial, Gulfport, Miss. June 10. This date marks the anniversary of the death of Medal of Honor Recipient CM3 Marvin Shields. Photo by MC1 Michael C. Barton
The Chief Petty Officer Association of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11, paid tribute to Marvin Shields by creating a Medal of Honor Citation Memorial, June 10. This date marks the anniversary of the death of Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Marvin Glenn Shields, the first and so far only Seabee to receive the Medal of Honor. This year s recipient of the Marvin Shield s Award is a member of NMCB 11, and was on hand for the dedication.
Steelworker 1
st Class (SCW/AW) Coogan J. Kennedy, received the 2013 Marvin Shields Award for his exceptional leadership, management and volunteer work. In addition, Petty Officer Kennedy exemplifies the Seabee Can Do spirit, for which Marvin Shields serves as the ultimate example, stated RADM Katherine L. Gregory, Commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, and Chief of Civil Engineers,in a Navy message, dated Feb. 19.
CM3 Marvin Shields joined the Navy as a Seabee in 1962. After being stationed in Glynco, Ga., Okinawa, Japan, and Port Hueneme, Calif., he was sent to Vietnam in February 1965. While in Vietnam he was attached to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. CM3 Shields was mortally wounded during an ambush at Dong Xoai, and died 10 June 1965. For his actions during that battle he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
As it says in our logo, Remember the past, said Senior Chief Equipment Operator Matthew Dooley, NMCB 11. With this memorial we will remember the sacrifice and heritage of the boots we fill.
Currently the memorial is displayed on the Quarterdeck of NMCB 11, Gulfport, Miss.
NMCB 11 is a Seabee battalion specializing in contingency construction, disaster response and humanitarian assistance. The Naval Construction Force (NCF) is a vital component of the U.S. Maritime Strategy. The NCF is comprised of deployable battalions capable of providing contingency construction, disaster preparation and recovery support, humanitarian assistance and combat operations support.
The Marvin Shields, Medal of Honor Citation Memorial stands proudly on display on NMCB 11 s Quarterdeck, Gulfport, Miss., June 10. This date marks the anniversary of the death of Medal of Honor Recipient CM3 Marvin Shields. Photo by MC1 Michael C. Barton