The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, PFC Stephen John O'Shea, who died in the service of his country on May 24th, 1967 in Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Small Arms/AW. At the time of his death Stephen was 20 years of age. He was from New York, New York. Stephen is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 20E, Line 97.
The decorations earned by PFC Stephen John O'Shea include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star with V, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
Stephen is buried at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY. Section 14, Plot 471, Grave 11.
Steve, it's been a long time since we played curb ball on the corner of Sherman Avenue and walked that mile to and from Cardinal Hayes everyday. I still think of you often even though 39 years have passed. You were and still are my brave friend.
Until we see each other again sleep well.
Posted by: Rich Lindeman
Email: rlcode@att.net
(His Bronze Star Citation)
For heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 20 May 1967 Private First Class O'Shea distinguished himself while serving as an Infantryman in Company C, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry, on a search and destroy operation near Duc Pho. As his platoon closed with a well-entrenched enemy force, four men were caught in a cross-fire while crossing an open area. Seeing this, Private First Class O'Shea moved from his covered position and began directing an accurate and intensive volume of fire on the enemy to his front. Exposing himself both to the entrenched enemy in front and snipers to his rear, he covered the four men until they could move to safety. He was severely wounded in the course of his heroic action, and later succumbed. Private First Class O'Shea's courage and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
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