Donald E. Youngberg

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Sergeant DONALD E. YOUNGBERG, Corps of Engineers, United States Army, Company A, 13th Engineer Combat Battalion, distinguished himself by gallantry in action near Hoengsong, Korea, on 12-13 February 1951. On these dates, Sergeant YOUNGBERG was attached to the rear guard unit of his battalion which had completed construction of an escape route for a task force which was withdrawing to escape encirclement by the enemy. A numerically superior enemy force ambushed the small group late in the night when, observation was. hampered by darkness. Sergeant YOUNGBERG volunteered to remain behind to man a machine gun until all vehicles, equipment and personnel could be evacuated. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he remained exposed to-intense enemy fire for nearly an hour, while inflicting heavy casualties among the hostile force with his accurate and continuous fire. Sergeant YOUNGBERG continued to cover the withdrawal until seriously wounded. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant YOUNGBERG reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.