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Marvin G Shields Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Traci_01: It is time for us to step away from the game for a bit. We have slowed down considerably, and now that we have a little one, we just don't get out as much. We will still be around, just more slowly!

Thanks to all who found this meaningful cache.

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Hidden : 6/28/2009
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

* THERE IS NOW A COMBO LOCK ON THE GEOCACHE! YOU WILL NEED THE COMBINATION TO OPEN IT (SEE HINT) *This cache is not wheelchair accessible. You can get pretty close, though. It is rated a difficulty of 2 because of the muggle factor, the parking factor, and the sap factor. It is rated a terrain of 2 because, well...you'll see! Parking is nearby, on the side streets in the area. Please do not attempt this cache from the shipyard side!

Inside the cache is both Navy oriented swag and 'regular' swag. Feel free to trade for either. BUT PLEASE LEAVE THE POSTCARD PHOTO OF THE SHIP!!!! Thanks!

This cache is dedicated to my great uncle, Marvin G Shields. He was the brother of my grandpa on my mom's side, and a great source of pride in our family.

Marvin was called into the Navy in 1962. On June 10, 1965, he was among those involved in the Battle of Dong Xoai, considered at the time to have the most American casualties in the war to date. During the battle, Marvin volunteered to join his Commanding Officer in delivering much needed ammunition to his fellow Americans trying to knock out an enemy machine gun position. They succeeded (saving the lives of countless Americans), but Marvin was mortally wounded while returning to their defensive position. He died later that afternoon.

On September 13, 1966, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the first Navy Seabee to receive this honor. Later, a KNOX-class frigate bore his name. The USS Marvin G Shields (FF 1066) was commissioned on April 10, 1971. When the ship was docked close by, I remember going aboard and eating in the galley. I also have the honor of being present on July 2, 1992, when the ship was decommissioned.

Throughout Bremerton and Port Townsend you can find memorials for Marvin. Please visit these sites for more information:
(visit link) (visit link) (visit link)

He died as he lived, for his friends.

Quoted from Geopoppa:
"Cachers who would like to learn more about our western Washington Medal of Honor winner might want to try GCNVQX up in Gardiner. Before finding the cache look for the black granite tombstone near the flagpole and reverently stop by to pay your respects to this modern American hero. While you're there pause to remember that your freedom was not free and that some have paid more dearly for freedom than you ever will. "

*Congrats 2 stroke all the way, on FTF! We just knew it!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

[To open: Right three turns then stop at 8. Left one full turn past 8, stop at 0. Turn right to stop at 26.] Sebz gur gbc bs gur uvyy, ybbxvat ng gur pybpx va gur qvfgnapr, gur pnpur vf cbfvgvbarq ng 11:30.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)