Gov. Baldacci recognizes American Indian veterans

AUGUSTA – Charles Norman Shay was 19 years old when he landed at Omaha Beach with the 16th Regiment of the 1st Infantry Division 63 years ago on D-Day.

The Indian Island man served in World War II, the Korean War and during the Cold War, and was honored Wednesday – the anniversary of D-Day – by Gov. John Baldacci at a ceremony in Augusta.

The governor presented a proclamation naming June 6, 2007, as Native American Veterans History Day in the state.

“His unit was one of the first to land on Omaha Beach as part of the D-Day invasion. The division sustained about 1,000 casualties that day,” Baldacci said Wednesday in a press release. “Charles Norman Shay survived landing on Omaha Beach and did so while helping others survive as well.”

For his unselfish heroism while serving with the 16th Regiment, Shay earned a Silver Star.

Shay was captured by Nazis in 1945, survived the German prisoner of war camps and eventually returned home to Maine.

He later returned to action serving in the Korean War as a combat medic and was promoted to master sergeant and awarded the Bronze Star.

“It is clear that Mr. Shay is deserving of recognition, as are the other Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet and Micmac veterans of this country’s wars,” Baldacci stated.

In World War II, more than 150 Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet and Micmac men and women who were living in Maine enlisted in the military.

In total, approximately 30,000 American Indians enlisted throughout the country.

“Native Americans – like many other Americans – have contributed greatly in service to their country over many decades. Unfortunately, the part they have played in protecting their country has been neglected,” Baldacci stated. “We are here today to issue public recognition that is long overdue.”