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Heroic D-Day Medic Charles Shay Passes, Leaves Lasting Legacy

12/4/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Charles Norman Shay, a Native American U.S. Army medic who served on D-Day, died December 3, 2025, in Normandy, France.
He saved lives on June 6, 1944, and earned the Silver Star and France's Legion of Honor.
In 2017, he moved to Normandy and became prominent at commemorations.
Shay advocated recognizing Native Americans' World War II contributions, and his legacy includes a memorial at Omaha Beach honoring Native American soldiers.

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Story summary

Charles Norman Shay, a Native American U.S. Army medic who served on D-Day, died December 3, 2025, in Normandy, France.
He saved lives on June 6, 1944, and earned the Silver Star and France's Legion of Honor.
In 2017, he moved to Normandy and became prominent at commemorations.
Shay advocated recognizing Native Americans' World War II contributions, and his legacy includes a memorial at Omaha Beach honoring Native American soldiers.