Colonel Dennis Shea: Citizen / Soldier

By Marilyn Lucas, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interview Volunteer

Colonel (Retired) Dennis Shea embodies citizenship.

Dennis’s military story begins as a freshman at Depaul University. Freshmen were required to participate in ROTC. Dennis decided to stay in the ROTC throughout his college career thus affording him the opportunity to graduate as a second lieutenant. He went on to attend Officer basic at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was later assigned as training officer at Fort Bliss Texas. In June of 1969 his college sweetheart, Ellen, sent him off to Camp Sherman in the Panama Canal Zone for jungle operations training before his deployment to Vietnam with a promise ring and every intention of marriage upon his return. 

As part of the 199th light brigade a.k.a. red catchers, Dennis spent his first six months in  Vietnam as part of a CAV unit, where he was the platoon leader. This unit was responsible for transporting troops, convoy security, and general movement support. His next six months of service was intelligence. This unit handled VC prisoners. They relied upon Vietnamese translators to convey information regarding VC movements. It was not always easy to trust the translators’ interpretation of the information shared during these interrogations.

Dennis mentioned how kind and respectful the Americans were towards the VC prisoners. Part of their mission was to ensure the safety of these prisoners. Torture was not an acceptable practice. He also shared the lack of trust and the concern Americans had regarding the local Vietnamese. You never knew who to trust, not even the cook, who prepared your food. He commented on how this war was a game of politics. It was important to maintain relationships with the mayor of the local town. They were frequently invited to dinner with the mayor’s family. These dinners were mandatory as it would be considered an insult not to accept. 

The relationships with the local townspeople were extremely important for the protection of both parties. On one occasion, after attending one of these dinners, where the Americans were celebrated, he later discovered that dinner consisted of dog and porcupine. Needless to say, Dennis spent a great deal of time in the latrine that week.

While Dennis was on RR in Osaka Japan, Sappers (highly trained North Vietnamese army and VC forces during the Vietnam war who specialized in explosives and stealthy infiltration tactics) attacked the village killing the entire district chief’s family. Basically, the Americans were left alone, because the intent was to show the local community their power and ability to destroy at any given moment. Again a show of power and the game of politics. Fortunately, Dennis, having taken the bullet train to Osaka to see the moon rocks, was not present during this attack.

One of the pictures Ellen saved from Dennis’s time in Vietnam was the sleeping quarters. Guns were ever present. Most notably was the netting over the cot. According to Dennis, the netting wasn’t just for mosquitoes. At night, once the sun set, the rats would come in and sit upon the netting. More often than not, Dennis would fling the netting off sending the rats against the wall and killing them.

Dennis went on to have an illustrious career with the Army Reserves for 26 years. He was part of the 85th division (Exercise) where he was not only Chief Of Staff but also battalion and brigade command. One of the memorable surprise events for the 85th division was the appearance of Jim McMahon, from the Bears football team during their training at The Dona Ana Tank Range located at Ft. Bliss, Texas. McMahon, wearing his infamous headband , shared his “war stories“ regarding the Bears football performance.

In 1987 Major Dennis Shea attended Command and General Staff College. In 1991 Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Shea attended US Army War College. He later attained the rank of colonel before retiring. The awards are numerous. Bronze Star , meritorious service with Oak leaf Cluster, Vietnam service medal with two bronze stars, National  Defense Service Medal with one service star ,Top Gun,  Army achievement, Army Reserve Components Achievements with three Oak Leaf clusters, Armed Forces Reserve with one Silver Hourglass, Army Service, Republic of Vietnam Campaign, Army Commendation with two  Oak Leaf clusters for Individual Achievement, Jungles Expert Designation from camp Sherman in the Panama Canal zone.

The Silver Medallion of The  Knight to the Order of St. George, the most illustrious award The Legion Of Merit, was awarded to Dennis by a three star general. This award reads: “exceptionally meritorious service in positions of increasing responsibility culminating as assistant deputy commander, headquarters, 85th division (exercise). Colonel Shea’s outstanding contributions during a military career spanning more than twenty-eight years have left a lasting legacy for others to emulate. His accomplishments are in keeping with the highest tradition of military service and reflect great credit on him and the United States Army.”

When asked about his thoughts on the Vietnam War, Dennis responded “I was there to serve, not to judge.

“Understanding The Vietnam War can only be achieved by experiencing it.”

He does not harbor a grudge over how Vietnam Vets were received when they returned home. He does recall being told not to wear his uniform upon returning home.

With a great deal of excitement, Dennis is looking forward to the Honor flight that he is sharing with five of his Chicago buddies. All of these “buddies” graduated from DePaul University’s Class of 68–71. They are one Navy and four Army: A 55-year friendship with Ray Healy, Jim DeNardo , Tom Licar, and Robert Minetz. In his own words “It is an honor to be a part of Honor Flight.” 

Dennis, thank you for your years of service to our country. Enjoy your day of honor as you experience Washington D.C…..and We look forward to WELCOMING YOU HOME! 

After listing all of these amazing and distinguished awards, Dennis laughingly mentioned that he still has his dog tags with his P 38 can opener that he wore around his neck.