Donald Ronald Lobaugh
Private, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
World War II

Private Donald Ronald Lobaugh (7 February 1925 - 22 July 1944) was a U.S. Army soldier who was posthumously awarded the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions during World War II.

Donald Ronald Lobaugh was born on 7 February 1925 in Freeport, PA; he also joined the Army from that town. On 22 July 1944, he was serving as a Private in the 127th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division. Near Afua, New Guinea, that day he single-handedly attacked an enemy machine gun emplacement which was pinning down one platoon of his company. Lobaugh was killed in the attack and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Private, U .S. Army, 127th Infantry, 32nd Infantry Division.

Place and date: Near Afua, New Guinea, 22 July 1944.

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty near Afua, New Guinea, on 22 July 1944. While Pvt. Lobaugh's company was withdrawing from its position on 21 July, the enemy attacked and cut off approximately 1 platoon of our troops. The platoon immediately occupied, organized, and defended a position, which it held throughout the night. Early on 22 July, an attempt was made to effect its withdrawal, but during the preparation therefor, the enemy emplaced a machinegun, protected by the fire of rifles and automatic weapons, which blocked the only route over which the platoon could move. Knowing that it was the key to the enemy position, Pfc. Lobaugh volunteered to attempt to destroy this weapon, even though in order to reach it he would be forced to work his way about 30 yards over ground devoid of cover. When part way across this open space he threw a hand grenade, but exposed himself in the act and was wounded. Heedless of his wound, he boldly rushed the emplacement, firing as he advanced. The enemy concentrated their fire on him, and he was struck repeatedly, but he continued his attack and killed 2 more before he was himself slain. Pfc. Lobaugh's heroic actions inspired his comrades to press the attack, and to drive the enemy from the position with heavy losses. His fighting determination and intrepidity in battle exemplify the highest traditions of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Honors

In 2004 he was inducted into the Hall of Valor at the Soldiers and Sailors National Military Museum and Memorial in Pittsburgh, PA.

Death and Burial

Private Donald Ronald Lobaugh was killed in action on 22 July 1944. He is buried at Rimersburg Cemetery in Rimersburg, PA.