Medal of Honor: Donald R. Lobaugh – World War II, July 22, 194

Name: Donald R. Lobaugh
Rank: Private First Class
Conflict: World War II
Unit: 127th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division
Date of Action: July 22, 1944
Location: Near Afua, New Guinea

Summary of Action:
PFC Donald R. Lobaugh – The Delinquent Who Died a Hero. He was once labeled a troublemaker—a juvenile delinquent whose name echoed more in police reports than in praise. But on the steaming jungle floor of New Guinea, Donald R. Lobaugh’s name would be seared into history, not for rebellion, but for raw, unflinching valor.

Cut off and surrounded near the hostile village of Afua, his platoon was pinned down—trapped by a Japanese machine gun nest guarding the only escape route. The ground between was bare and deadly, swept by overlapping arcs of enemy fire. Everyone knew that charging it meant near-certain death.

But Lobaugh didn’t hesitate.

Despite being wounded during the initial grenade throw, he surged forward—alone—into the open, firing as he went. The enemy hit him again and again, riddling his body. But he kept going. He reached the gun, gunned down its crew, and fell dead at its feet. His final act broke the enemy's stranglehold and ignited a surge of fury in his comrades. They stormed forward, overrunning the enemy position and avenging his sacrifice.

Lobaugh died a soldier’s death—a far cry from the boy they once called lost. In his final moments, he found redemption in the fire of battle, leaving behind a legacy forged in courage and sealed in blood.

Medal of Honor 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.