Staff Sergeant Shawn H. McNabb died 26 October 2009 when his MH-47G Chinook helicopter, #747, crashed while under enemy fire conducting military operations in western Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

SSG McNabb was born on 14 May 1985. He was a native of Terrell, Texas, and volunteered for service in the U.S. Army in July 2003, as a Combat Medic. Following Basic Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, SSG McNabb served with the 702nd Combat Support Medical Company at Camp Casey, South Korea, as a Health Care Specialist. In October 2005, he was assigned to the 57th Air Medical Ambulance Company at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as a Flight Medic. In 2008, he successfully assessed with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, as an Emergency Care Sergeant. SSG McNabb was assigned to 3rd Battalion at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, in July 2008.

He was a combat veteran with five deployments, all in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

SSG McNabb was a graduated of the Warrior Leader Course, Special Operations Training Course, the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) Course, the Special Operations Combat Medic Course, the Advanced Cardiac Life Support Course, Advance Trauma Life Support Course, Flight Medic Course, Emergency Medical Technician Ambulance Course, Combatives Level 1, and Airborne School.

SSG McNabb’s awards and decorations include the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (w/”V” Device), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (w/3 OLC), Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (w/1 Bronze Service Star), Iraqi Campaign Medal (w/2 Bronze Service Stars), Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Basic Aviation Badge, Parachutist Badge, Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge (Rifle). He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and Combat Action Badge.

SSG McNabb is survived by his parents, David and Ann, and his sister, Heather. He is laid to rest in Dallas, Texas, at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, Section 76, Site 1658G and also at Arlington National Cemetery, Section 60, group burial Site 9522. Building #827 at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, is dedicated in his honor as McNabb Hall.