George Dalton Libby

When an enemy ambush left his comrades dead or wounded, one American soldier refused to abandon them. Wounded himself and surrounded by hostile fire, Sergeant George Dalton Libby repeatedly risked his life to rescue fellow soldiers and keep them moving toward safety. His extraordinary courage near Taejon, Korea, on 20 July 1950 would earn him the United States Medal of Honor and secure his place among the most courageous American soldiers of the Korean War.

George Dalton Libby was born on 4 December 1919 in Bridgton, Maine. He served in the United States Army and became a member of Company C, 3rd Engineer Combat Battalion, 24th Infantry Division. His unit played an important role in supporting American operations during the opening stages of the Korean War, when United Nations forces faced intense enemy pressure across the Korean peninsula.

On 20 July 1950, during the fighting near Taejon, Libby's vehicle approached an enemy roadblock and came under devastating fire. The attack disabled the vehicle, killing or wounding every other passenger. Despite the overwhelming danger, Libby took cover in a nearby ditch and engaged the enemy. Rather than seek safety, he crossed the exposed road twice under heavy fire to administer aid to his wounded comrades.

His courage did not end there. Refusing first aid for his own injuries, Libby continued protecting the driver and returning enemy fire when the group encountered another roadblock. He shielded his wounded comrade while fighting despite receiving additional wounds himself. He maintained his position until he finally lost consciousness. His determined resistance and selfless actions enabled his fellow soldiers to reach friendly lines.

Sergeant George D. Libby died on 20 July 1950, giving his life in the defence and rescue of his comrades. His actions demonstrated extraordinary gallantry, personal sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to the soldiers beside him.

In recognition of his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty, George D. Libby was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest military decoration for valor. General Omar Bradley presented the medal to Libby's sister on 21 June 1951, ensuring that the courage of the young Army sergeant would never be forgotten.

Today, George Dalton Libby's story remains a powerful testament to the meaning of military brotherhood. His actions near Taejon were not simply an example of battlefield bravery. They reflected a profound willingness to place the lives of others before his own, even when facing overwhelming danger. As a Medal of Honor recipient and Korean War hero, Sergeant George D. Libby is remembered for the extraordinary courage and self-sacrifice that helped bring his wounded comrades to safety.

Medal of Honor Citation

Sgt. Libby distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action. While breaking through an enemy encirclement, the vehicle in which he was riding approached an enemy roadblock and encountered devastating fire which disabled the truck, killing or wounding all the passengers except Sgt. Libby. Taking cover in a ditch, Sgt. Libby engaged the enemy and despite the heavy fire crossed the road twice to administer aid to his wounded comrades.

He then hailed a passing M-5 artillery tractor and helped the wounded aboard. The enemy directed intense small-arms fire at the driver, and Sgt. Libby, realizing that no one else could operate the vehicle, placed himself between the driver and the enemy thereby shielding him while he returned the fire. During this action he received several wounds in the arms and body. Continuing through the town, the tractor made frequent stops and Sgt. Libby helped more wounded aboard.

Refusing first aid, he continued to shield the driver and return the fire of the enemy when another roadblock was encountered. Sgt. Libby received additional wounds but held his position until he lost consciousness. Sgt. Libby's sustained, heroic actions enabled his comrades to reach friendly lines. His dauntless courage and gallant self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit upon himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of the U.S. Army.