Charles Norman Shay | |
|---|---|
 Shay on Omaha Beach in October 2018. | |
| Born | June 27, 1924 Bristol, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Rank | Master Sergeant |
| Unit | 1st Infantry Division 3rd Infantry Division |
| Battles / wars | |
| Awards | Silver Star, Bronze Star (3) |
| Spouse(s) |
Lilli Shay (died 2013) |
Charles Norman Shay (born June 27, 1924) is a Penobscot tribal elder, writer, and decorated veteran of both World War II and the Korean War. Along with a Bronze Star and Silver Star, Shay was also awarded the Legion d'Honneur, making him the first Native American in Maine with the distinction of French chevalier. He was instrumental in the re-publishing of a book by his own grandfather, Joseph Nicolar: The Life and Traditions of the Red Man, originally published in 1893. He has recently written an autobiography, Project Omaha Beach: The Life and Military Service of a Penobscot Indian Elder that details his time abroad in the military. Shay is also a direct descendant of Jean-Vincent d'Abbadie de Saint-Castin.[1]
- ^ Khaldi, Tarik (June 10, 2009). "The Béarnese Indian". Sud-Ouest.