Elmer Dean Yochum

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Elmer Dean Yochum (37006693), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a member of Company A, 803d Engineer Battalion (Aviation), in action against enemy forces on 26 January 1942, at Bataan, Philippine Islands. While his unit was advancing against a strongly held enemy position, Private First Class Yochum charged defense against active hostile enemy snipers to the extreme flank of his platoon. During the attack enemy snipers opened fire from vantage points in trees located to the rear of the line causing casualties in his immediate vicinity. While being unable to gain sufficient elevation on his machine gun to return effective fire, this intrepid soldier picked up this hot gun, cradled it in his arms, and despite the hazards of intense enemy machine gun fire and rifle fire, sprayed the trees to the rear while holding this heavy weapon. His heroic action silenced many of the hostile snipers and allowed the advance of his organization. Private First Class Yochum was killed by a enemy bullet while advancing in the attack which his courageous efforts had facilitated. First Class Yochum’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Allied Force