WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement following the passing of Charles Shay, a member of the Penobscot tribe who served as an Army medic during World War II. He was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery carrying critically wounded soldiers to safety during the D-Day invasion in 1944, and was a recipient of the Legion of Honor, France’s highest award. Shay passed away at 101 at his home in Bretteville-L’Orgueilleuse in France’s Normandy region.

“I was honored to meet and get to know Charles Shay both at his home on Indian Island and on the beaches of Normandy, at the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Charles Shay was a world-class individual who gave honor to his home state, to his tribe, to his family, and to the people of America. I know he's going to be missed by his many friends and admirers around the country, but especially on Indian Island. My warmest wishes go out to his many family and friends, and it was an honor for me to have an opportunity to meet and get to know one of Maine's most distinguished citizens.”

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