Charles Norman Shay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Norman Shay
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Shay on Omaha Beach in October 2018.
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| Born | June 27, 1924 Bristol, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Died | December 3, 2025 (aged 101) Thue et Mue, Calvados, France |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Rank | Master Sergeant |
| Unit | 1st Infantry Division 3rd Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars |
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| Awards | Silver Star, Bronze Star (3) |
| Spouse(s) |
Lilli Shay
(died 2013) |
Charles Norman Shay (born June 27, 1924 – died December 3, 2025) was a respected elder of the Penobscot tribe, a talented writer, and a brave veteran. He served in both World War II and the Korean War. Shay received important awards like the Bronze Star and Silver Star for his courage. He was also honored with the Legion of Honour, becoming the first Native American from Maine to receive this special French award. Charles Shay helped republish a book by his grandfather, Joseph Nicolar, called The Life and Traditions of the Red Man. Later, he wrote his own life story, Project Omaha Beach, sharing his military experiences. He was also a direct descendant of Jean-Vincent d'Abbadie de Saint-Castin, a historical figure.
Contents
Charles Norman Shay: A Hero's Story
Serving in World War II
Shay joined the military in 1943 when he was 19 years old. He trained to be a medical technician, learning basic first aid and how to help injured soldiers. He became a combat medic with the First Division's 16th Infantry Regiment. His job was to treat wounded soldiers on the battlefield. He bandaged injuries, applied tourniquets, and made sure the injured were as comfortable as possible.
During D-Day, on Omaha Beach, Shay bravely saved many wounded soldiers from drowning. He pulled them from the rising ocean tide. He also helped soldiers during the tough Battles of Aachen, Huertgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge.
Later, Shay's unit was near a German village called Auel. They met German soldiers and a powerful tank. Shay and his squadron were captured. They marched many miles at night to a POW camp called Stalag VI-G. A POW camp is where soldiers captured by the enemy are held. Shay was held there until April 12, 1945. American troops then surrounded the area, freeing him and many other prisoners. Shay returned home soon after.
After World War II: Korea and Family
After returning home, Charles Shay found it hard to find a job, like many veterans at that time. He decided to join the military again. He was sent to Vienna, Austria, where he worked as a medic with a Military Police Battalion. In Vienna, he met Lilli Bollarth, and they married on March 21, 1950.
When the Korean War began later that year, Shay joined the 3rd Division's 7th Infantry Regiment as a medic. He traveled to Japan and then to Korea, where he served again as a combat medic. For his service, Shay was promoted to master sergeant and received the Bronze Star with two oak leaf clusters.
Honoring His Heritage and Legacy
Charles and Lilli Shay lived in Vienna for many years. They often visited Shay's childhood home on Indian Island in Maine during the summers. In 2003, they moved back to Indian Island permanently. Sadly, Lilli became ill and passed away shortly after.
Shay also restored a special building on Native Island called the "Teepee." His aunt, Lucy Nicolar Poolaw, and her husband had built it as a shop. Shay turned it into a small family museum.
He was a respected elder of the Penobscot tribe in Maine. The Penobscot Nation is a federally recognized Native American tribe. They are part of the Wabanaki group, found in Maine, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. Shay lived on the Penobscot Island reservation, where he grew up, until 2018. In his retirement, he played a big part in creating National Native American Veterans Day.
In 2018, Shay moved to France. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020–21, he was one of the few veterans who could attend important ceremonies. He represented all the others who could not travel due to restrictions. Charles Shay celebrated his 100th birthday on June 27, 2024. He passed away on December 3, 2025, at the age of 101.
The Project Omaha Beach Book
In 2007, Shay planned a trip back to Europe with Harald E. L. Prins and Bunny McBride from Kansas State University. The goal was for Shay to revisit his old battle sites and share his experiences. Grants from the Maine Humanities Council and the First Division Museum helped fund this important journey.
They visited famous places like Normandy, Mons, Aachen, Hurtgen Forest, the Ardennes, and Auel. Their trip was recorded to highlight the experiences of Native American soldiers in World War II. Shay's book, Project Omaha Beach: The Life and Military Service of a Penobscot Native American Elder, tells the story of this journey. He wrote it as letters to his late wife, Lilli. The book also includes his autobiography and information about organizations he worked with. It was published in 2012.
Soon after returning home, Charles Shay received a very special honor. Nicolas Sarkozy, who was the President of France, personally inducted him into the Legion of Honour as a Chevalier at the French Embassy in Washington D.C.
A year later, in 2008, Shay was recognized as a Distinguished Member of the 16th Infantry Regiment. This ceremony took place at Fort Riley, Kansas, the home of the famous "Big Red One" (1st Infantry Division). In 2009, he led the effort to make June 21 officially Native American Veterans Day in Maine. Maine was the first state in the U.S. to do this. Eight years later, he helped open a large granite turtle sculpture at the "Charles Shay Indian Memorial." This special park overlooks Omaha Beach.
