Shawn was a young man who grew up in Accord. He enlisted in the United States Army Reserve in September 2006, when he was a junior at Rondout Valley High School, and completed basic training the summer before his senior year. After initial entry training at Fort Benning, Ga., and high school graduation, he was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
In 2010 he arrived at Fort Drum, N.Y. He completed his first deployment to Afghanistan in 2011 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom where he served with the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light). In November 2013, he deployed again.
On April 28, 2014, Sgt. Farrell was killed in action in Nejrab district, Kapisa province in Afghanistan when enemy forces attacked his unit with small-arms fire while on dismounted patrol.
His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, two Afghanistan Campaign Medals, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Noncommissioned Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge and the Air Assault Badge.
He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Award and a second
Bronze Star with the V Device (for valor).
We honor his memory and the sacrifice of his family.