Harold D. Shannon was born in Chicago, Illinois, on 16 September 1892. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1913 and became a commissioned officer in 1917. Serving in France during the First World War, he was decorated for his role in the Battle of Belleau Wood. He continued his Marine Corps service during peacetime, including service in the Caribbean and Central America. Promoted to Colonel in May 1942, he commanded Marine defensive units at Midway Atoll during the Battle of Midway. Colonel Shannon later served at Pearl Harbor and at San Diego, where he passed away on 16 February 1943.

USS Shannon (DM-25) was named in his honor.