William Shirah in 1978 at age 18.
William Shirah, 60, in 2020.
Teri Shirah of Pevely submitted photos of her husband, William Frank Shirah, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1977 to 1986.
“William's home town is Port St. Joe, Fla.,” Teri said. “He joined the Marines at the age of 17 and went to boot camp at Parris Island, S.C., in Platoon 1137. His first school was at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for small arms repair. He was promoted to sergeant in December of 1979.
“In January of 1983 he deployed to the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit scheduled for amphibious operations in Beirut, Lebanon, as part of a multinational peacekeeping force. His unit arrived right after the Embassy was blown up. Attacks from the residents grew from rock-throwing to sniping to shooting mortar rounds and rockets at them. The Battalion Landing Team Headquarters was blown up on Sunday October 23, 1983, with his unit providing support in a tent city about 100 meters away.”
During his career, Sgt. Shirah was offered support and encouragement by the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps, then Vice-President Bush and Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger. He also got advice from his father: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal, being courageous is what counts.”
Sgt. Shirah received two Good Conduct Medals, eight Meritorious Masts, one Naval Unit Commendation while in Beirut, a Combat Action Ribbon and an Expeditionary Medal. He is a lifetime member of the Beirut Veterans Association.
In February 2021 the St. Charles Chapter of the Missouri State Society Daughters of the American Revolution honored and recognized him as Patriot of the Month for his patriotism and service.
