Robert H. Young

Four wounds did not stop him from helping his fellow troops.

Robert Harley Young earned the Medal of Honor north of Kaesong, Korea, on October 9, 1950. A private first class in Company E, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, he continued fighting after repeated wounds from enemy fire.

Young defended an exposed position when the enemy attempted to surround his company. He then directed supporting tanks against three enemy gun positions, helping the infantry advance. Wounded again while assisting injured comrades, he insisted that others be evacuated before him.

Born in Oroville, California, on March 4, 1929, Young grew up in Chico and Vallejo. He joined the Army in 1946 and reenlisted in 1949. During his first enlistment, he reportedly guarded General George C. Marshall on a visit to Moscow. In Korea, he was seriously wounded on September 14, 1950, and returned to duty on September 22 before the action that brought his final wounds. He attained the rank of corporal. He died in Korea on November 5, 1950. General Omar N. Bradley presented his medal to his father on June 21, 1951. Young is buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, California.

Medal of Honor citation

Pfc. Young distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action. His company, spearheading a battalion drive deep in enemy territory, suddenly came under a devastating barrage of enemy mortar and automatic-weapons crossfire which inflicted heavy casualties among his comrades and wounded him in the face and shoulder. Refusing to be evacuated, Pfc. Young remained in position and continued to fire at the enemy until wounded a second time. As he awaited first aid near the company command post, the enemy attempted an enveloping movement. Disregarding medical treatment he took an exposed position and firing with deadly accuracy killed five of the enemy. During this action he was again hit by hostile fire which knocked him to the ground and destroyed his helmet. Later when supporting tanks moved forward, Pfc. Young, his wounds still unattended, directed tank fire which destroyed three enemy gun positions and enabled the company to advance. Wounded again by an enemy mortar burst, and while aiding several of his injured comrades, he demanded that all others be evacuated first. Throughout the course of this action the leadership and combative instinct displayed by Pfc. Young exerted a profound influence on the conduct of the company. His aggressive example affected the whole course of the action and was responsible for its success. Pfc. Young's dauntless courage and intrepidity reflect the highest credit upon himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of the U.S. Army.

Citation source: Congressional Medal of Honor Society.