LCPL ALAN HARRY SHIELDS LCPL ALAN HARRY SHIELDS

 

12 Nov 2007 Today, my big brother, it has been 41 years since you were taken from us. We miss you. It seems like yesterday you were here, you were 18 and I was 13. I never thought we would lose you. You were always our protector and big brother. I am still looking for your Marine Picture so I can hang it next to your medals. I won't give up till I find someone who has it! I know I will see you again some day. Thank you for your sacrifice for all of us that enjoy our freedom! I love you, brother! From his sister, Susan F. Shields sfshields@sbcglobal.net

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall In early November 1966 a reinforced platoon from India Company, 3/1 Marines, was holding a defensive position at An Trach, some 10 kilometers south-southwest of Danang. Shortly after midnight on 11/12 November their defensive perimeter was breeched by a VC sapper unit operating under cover of a heavy mortar barrage. The intruding VC force, estimated at 25 men, attacked with small arms, grenades, and satchel charges, taking out the command post bunker first. The 60 Marines within the perimeter responded with organic weapons but received worse than they gave. The 3/1 Marines Command Chronology describes the engagement as follows: "At 120130H vicinity BT973663 [sic], Company I platoon CP received a coordinated attack of small arms fire, grenades, and demolition charges from approximately twenty-five VC resulting in fourteen USMC KIA, one USN KIA, twenty-seven USMC WIA and one USN WIA (MEDEVAC). Marines accounted for three VC KIA (confirmed) and seven VC KIA (probable)." The 3/1 Situation Report for 12 Nov 1966 contains further information, noting that the Commanding Officer of India Company led a reaction force made up of men from HQ Company, 1st Marines which arrived at An Trach at 0400H. Another force, this from Mike 3/1 with attached elements, arrived at 0930 and took responsibility for the defensive position. As noted in the Chronology, 43 of the 60 Marines engaged were killed or wounded badly enough to require evacuation. The 15 dead were H&S Co, 3rd Bn, 1st Marines: HM3 Manuel Avila, Fresno, CA Cpl Eduardo Ayala, El Paso, TX LCpl Thomas E. Birdsall, Royal Oak, MI LCpl James P. Brown, Harvest, AL LCpl Larry D. Defilippis, Idaho Falls, ID Pfc Daniel Acosta, Stockton, CA Pfc Roger J. Bryant, Florence, AL I Co, 3rd Bn, 1st Marines: Cpl Raymond L. Powell, Kansas City, MO (Silver Star) Cpl Daniel D. Yarnell, Highland, CA LCpl John A. McGrath, Washington, MI LCpl Charles E. Meek, St Clair Shores, MI LCpl Alan H. Shields, Los Angeles, CA Pfc Roy G. Alvis, Kell, IL Pfc Ted D. Broomfield, Dodson, LA Pfc David H. Paulsen, Waterloo, IA

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