Eugene Steven Iron Shell Sr.
…Warrior, Counselor, Father, Friend…

Korean Veteran Eugene Iron Shell Sr. finished his time on this earth, entering the Spirit World on February 5, 2022. He was 92.

Eugene Iron Shell was ever-present in his uniform at Todd County School District activities, proudly sharing his patriotism along with his fellow American Legion members.

He was born on August 6, 1929 in St. Francis to Charles Iron Shell Sr. and Rosalie (DuBray) Iron Shell. He attended school at St. Francis Mission.

Eugene enlisted in the Army on November 7, 1947, and took his basic training at Ft. Ord, California. He then went to ‘Jump School’ at Ft. Benning, Georgia to be come a paratrooper.

Next was Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. He was a Staff Sergeant in the Airborne Infantry , 82nd Airborne Division. (This Division specializes in joint forcible entry operations). He was in Korea 1952-53, serving in Company L 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team, during the Korean War.

Eugene Iron Shell’s Service Record shows him to be a true Warrior: He was proudest of his Combat Infantryman Badge. Other awards include Senior Parachutist Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Army Occupation Medal (occupation duties in Japan), National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, two Battle Stars (Summer offensive in 1952 and 1953), United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea Service Medal. He was discharged from the Service on April 23, 1956.

Gene was one of 11 children. His father had worked at the Naval Ammo Department in Hastings, Nebraska during World War II. Returning to the States, Gene worked there too, then moved to Denver, Colorado.

He came home to the Rosebud Reservation in 1978, making his home in Rosebud. He worked for the Rosebud Sioux Tribe for a short period of time, then St. Francis Mission, and the State of South Dakota.

Gene joined Chauncey Eagle Horn Legion Post 1925 when he came home. Jim LaPointe, Commander of the Post at the time, saw Gene’s potential and recruited him. He remained a faithful member for 44 years until his death, a familiar figure, obviously tremendously proud to be with his fellow soldiers following their beloved American Flag into many, many events through the years.

Eugene Iron Shell Jr. said that his father’s example led him to follow his footsteps to serve his country. He is also a member of Chauncey Eagle Horn, and is the 2021-22 State Vice Commander of the American Legion.

Alcohol became a problem for Gene Sr., but another milestone in his life was when he sobered up in 1975. He went to a college in Detroit, Michigan to become a counselor, and became a certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor in the State of South Dakota. Of this, he was very proud. Gene Jr., says his father helped many people address and maintain their sobriety.

Eugene Iron Shell Sr. was very active in Lakota Spirituality and the Catholic Church. He always recognized the need to be in tune with the higher power, the Creator.

The elderly warrior had a long and commendable service record and was active to the very end, but eventually lost his battle with cancer, still at home with his family.

Eugene Iron Shell Sr. is survived by his wife Shirley; sons, Eugene Iron Shell Jr., James Iron Shell and Boyd Andrew Catt; and daughters Ronda Iron Shell-Gellerman and Angela Iron Shell-Hecke.