Ensign J. J. Shea, USNRF, was designated Naval Aviator #2362 in 1919 and released from active duty that same year, being discharged in 1921. He rejoined the reserves in 1923. Lt. Commander Shea was a member of ship's company aboard the aircraft carrier USS WASP (CV-7) when she was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine.
While leading a fire-fighting team, a shattering explosion occurred. In all probability, LCDR Shea died in that explosion; but, lacking concrete proof of death, he was declared Missing in Action until a year and a day later when he was declared legally dead. Shea was awarded the Navy Cross and Purple Heart medals and was promoted to commander, all posthumously.
The destroyer minelayer USS Shea (DM-30) was named in his honor.
Navy Cross Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander John J. Shea, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving on board the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. WASP (CV-7), during operations in the Solomon Islands on 15 September 1942. Lieutenant Commander Shea directed the fight against fires on the flight deck of the U.S.S. WASP, after the carrier had been crippled by the Japanese bombing attack which later caused her to sink. Lieutenant Commander Shea disregarded the danger from the fires, flying debris, and exploding ammunition to carry on his fight. When the water pressure failed, he employed chemical fire-fighting equipment in a desperate effort to extinguish a fire in a ready ammunition locker, and was leading out a fire hose to continue his efforts when a terrific explosion occurred. He was not subsequently seen by his shipmates. The conduct of Lieutenant Commander Shea throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
While leading a fire-fighting team, a shattering explosion occurred. In all probability, LCDR Shea died in that explosion; but, lacking concrete proof of death, he was declared Missing in Action until a year and a day later when he was declared legally dead. Shea was awarded the Navy Cross and Purple Heart medals and was promoted to commander, all posthumously.
The destroyer minelayer USS Shea (DM-30) was named in his honor.
Navy Cross Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander John J. Shea, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving on board the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. WASP (CV-7), during operations in the Solomon Islands on 15 September 1942. Lieutenant Commander Shea directed the fight against fires on the flight deck of the U.S.S. WASP, after the carrier had been crippled by the Japanese bombing attack which later caused her to sink. Lieutenant Commander Shea disregarded the danger from the fires, flying debris, and exploding ammunition to carry on his fight. When the water pressure failed, he employed chemical fire-fighting equipment in a desperate effort to extinguish a fire in a ready ammunition locker, and was leading out a fire hose to continue his efforts when a terrific explosion occurred. He was not subsequently seen by his shipmates. The conduct of Lieutenant Commander Shea throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Ensign J. J. Shea, USNRF, was designated Naval Aviator #2362 in 1919 and released from active duty that same year, being discharged in 1921. He rejoined the reserves in 1923. Lt. Commander Shea was a member of ship's company aboard the aircraft carrier USS WASP (CV-7) when she was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine.
While leading a fire-fighting team, a shattering explosion occurred. In all probability, LCDR Shea died in that explosion; but, lacking concrete proof of death, he was declared Missing in Action until a year and a day later when he was declared legally dead. Shea was awarded the Navy Cross and Purple Heart medals and was promoted to commander, all posthumously.
The destroyer minelayer USS Shea (DM-30) was named in his honor.
Navy Cross Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander John J. Shea, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving on board the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. WASP (CV-7), during operations in the Solomon Islands on 15 September 1942. Lieutenant Commander Shea directed the fight against fires on the flight deck of the U.S.S. WASP, after the carrier had been crippled by the Japanese bombing attack which later caused her to sink. Lieutenant Commander Shea disregarded the danger from the fires, flying debris, and exploding ammunition to carry on his fight. When the water pressure failed, he employed chemical fire-fighting equipment in a desperate effort to extinguish a fire in a ready ammunition locker, and was leading out a fire hose to continue his efforts when a terrific explosion occurred. He was not subsequently seen by his shipmates. The conduct of Lieutenant Commander Shea throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
While leading a fire-fighting team, a shattering explosion occurred. In all probability, LCDR Shea died in that explosion; but, lacking concrete proof of death, he was declared Missing in Action until a year and a day later when he was declared legally dead. Shea was awarded the Navy Cross and Purple Heart medals and was promoted to commander, all posthumously.
The destroyer minelayer USS Shea (DM-30) was named in his honor.
Navy Cross Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander John J. Shea, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving on board the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. WASP (CV-7), during operations in the Solomon Islands on 15 September 1942. Lieutenant Commander Shea directed the fight against fires on the flight deck of the U.S.S. WASP, after the carrier had been crippled by the Japanese bombing attack which later caused her to sink. Lieutenant Commander Shea disregarded the danger from the fires, flying debris, and exploding ammunition to carry on his fight. When the water pressure failed, he employed chemical fire-fighting equipment in a desperate effort to extinguish a fire in a ready ammunition locker, and was leading out a fire hose to continue his efforts when a terrific explosion occurred. He was not subsequently seen by his shipmates. The conduct of Lieutenant Commander Shea throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Inscription
CDR, US NAVY WORLD WAR II
Entered the service from Massachusetts
Family Members
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