03/25/2026
March 25 is National Medal of Honor Day; Norwalk has two recipients
Today is a time to reflect on extraordinary courage and the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.
The City of Norwalk holds a rare and solemn distinction: it is the hometown of two Medal of Honor recipients—men who gave their lives in service to others.
Daniel “Danny” Shea, an Army medic in Vietnam, embodied selflessness on the battlefield, tending to the wounded under fire. He was killed in action on May 14, 1969, sacrificing his life while caring for his fellow soldiers.
John Magrath, a member of the legendary 10th Mountain Division “Ski Troops,” displayed remarkable bravery during World War II in the mountains of Italy. He was killed in action on April 14, 1945—just 24 days before the war in Europe came to an end.
Both were sons of East Norwalk. They grew up in the same community—walking its streets, shaped by its values. Danny found joy on the waters of the Norwalk Islands, while John was active as a Boy Scout and sang in the choir at Christ Episcopal Church.
Their stories remind us that heroes do not come from distant places—they come from our neighborhoods, our schools, and our communities.
As a city, Norwalk will always remember their courage, their sacrifice, and their enduring legacy. See the comments below for short bios about their life and service. 👇🇺🇸
