Rodger Wilton Young

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Private Rodger W. Young (ASN: 20504613), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action at New Georgia, Solomon Islands. On 31 July 1943, the infantry company of which Private 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, Private 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 Private Young. As the platoon started to obey the order to withdraw, Private 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. Private 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.

General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 3 (January 6, 1944)

Action Date: 31-Jul-43

Service: Army

Rank: Private

Regiment: 148th Infantry Regiment

Division: 37th Infantry Division