Nestled on a hillside in Cumberland, MD, shaded by the graceful branches of cherry blossoms, lies the final resting place of Marine Staff Sergeant William E. Shuck Jr., a distinguished recipient of the Medal of Honor. As the nation commemorated National Medal of Honor Day on March 25, 2024, the grave of Staff Sgt Shuck was adorned with the symbols of his bravery and sacrifice.

In a solemn ceremony organized by the Ridgeley American Legion Post 136 and the Ridgeley American Legion Auxiliary Unit 136, Staff Sgt Shuck was honored on National Medal of Honor Day. This federal observance, established to recognize the heroism and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipients, provided an opportunity to pay tribute to a local hero.

During the ceremony, Post Commander Robert Weimer delivered a tribute to Shuck's valor and selflessness in defending his country, even at the ultimate sacrifice of his own life. Legion member John Daniels led a prayer, and attendees bowed their heads in silent reverence to pay homage to the memory of Staff Sgt Shuck.

Born in Cumberland, MD, on August 16, 1926, William E. Shuck Jr. grew up in Ridgeley, WV. After graduating from Ridgeley High School in 1944, he served in the United States Naval Reserves before enlisting in the United States Marines during the Korean War, in 1947. As a machine gun squad leader in Company G, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Shuck demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership.

Tragically, Staff Sgt Shuck's life was cut short on July 3, 1952, in Panmunjom, Korea, when he was killed by sniper fire while assisting in the evacuation of casualties during an assault against an enemy position. For his extraordinary valor on that fateful day, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor which is the United States' highest award for military valor in action.

At a ceremony held at the Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C., on September 9, 1953, Vice President Richard M. Nixon presented the Medal of Honor to Victoria Shuck, the widow of Staff Sgt Shuck.

His legacy endures through tributes such as the Ridgeley, West Virginia American Legion being proudly named the “William E. Shuck, Jr. Memorial Post 136,” "Shuck Hall" at Marine Corps Base in Quantico, VA, and the permanent display of his Medal of Honor at the Soldier & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum in Pittsburgh, PA.

*Note - Staff Sgt Shuck was 1 of 32 United States Marines that were awarded the Medal of Honor during the Korean War.