"On July 31, 1943, the infantry company of which Pvt. Young was a member,
was ordered to make a limited withdrawal from the battle line in order
to adjust the battalion's position for the night. At this time, Pvt.
Young's platoon was engaged with the enemy in a dense jungle where
observation was very limited. The platoon suddenly was pinned down by
intense fire from a Japanese machinegun concealed on higher ground only
75 yards away. The initial burst wounded Pvt. Young. As the platoon
started to obey the order to withdraw, Pvt. Young called out that he
could see the enemy emplacement, whereupon he started creeping toward
it. Another burst from the machinegun wounded him the second time.
Despite the wounds, he continued his heroic advance, attracting enemy
fire and answering with rifle fire. When he was close enough to his
objective, he began throwing hand grenades, and while doing so was hit
again and killed. Pvt. Young's bold action in closing with this Japanese
pillbox and thus diverting its fire, permitted his platoon to disengage
itself, without loss, and was responsible for several enemy casualties."
From Pvt. Young's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on January 6, 1944.
May you be at peace,
Brian
Young Range at Camp Perry, OH
Rodger Young Village veteran housing community.
March 25, 1945 in Fremont, Ohio was declared Rodger W. Young Day
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