Robert Harley Young
Corporal, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Korean War

Robert Harley Young was born on 4 March 1929, at Oroville, CA. He was a Private First Class in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Corporal and awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on 9 October 1950.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company E, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division

Place and date: North of Kaesong, Korea, 9 October 1950

Entered service at: Vallejo, CA

G.O. No.: 65, 2 August 1951

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 5 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 3 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.

Other Medals

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Young was awarded the Purple Heart.

Death and Burial

Corporal Robert Harley Young died on 5 November 1950. Young is buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, CA, in Section O, Grave 8.