Medal of Honor: Donald R. Moyer - Korean War - May 20, 1951

Name: Donald R. Moyer
Rank: Sergeant First Class
Branch: U.S. Army
War: Korean War
Unit: Company E, 35th Infantry Regiment
Date of Action: May 20, 1951
Location: Near Seoul, Korea

Summary of Action

On 20 May 1951, Sergeant First Class Donald R. Moyer displayed extraordinary heroism during combat operations near Seoul, Korea.

Moyer served as assistant platoon leader in Company E during an assault against commanding high ground heavily defended by a numerically superior enemy force entrenched in fortified positions.

As the platoon advanced up the rocky slopes of the hill, it was met by devastating automatic weapons fire, rifle fire, and a relentless barrage of enemy grenades.

The deadly fire wounded both the platoon leader and platoon sergeant, threatening to halt the attack entirely.

Recognizing the critical danger to the mission, Moyer rushed to the front of the shaken column and assumed command.

Exposing himself repeatedly to enemy fire, he rallied the men and urged them forward toward the summit.

Inspired by his courage and leadership, the platoon resumed the attack and pushed closer to the enemy positions.

As the soldiers neared the crest of the hill, the enemy resistance intensified even further.

Machine guns and grenades raked the advancing Americans at close range.

Despite the deadly fire, Moyer continued leading the charge uphill.

Then, during the final assault, an enemy grenade landed directly among the advancing soldiers.

Knowing the explosion would kill or seriously wound several men, Moyer reacted instantly.

Without hesitation and fully aware of the sacrifice he was making, he threw himself onto the grenade and absorbed the full force of the blast with his own body.

Though mortally wounded, his selfless action saved the lives of his comrades and allowed the platoon to continue its assault.

Inspired by his sacrifice and leadership, the soldiers successfully seized the enemy stronghold.

Medal of Honor Citation

MOYER, DONALD R.

Sfc. Moyer assistant platoon leader, Company E, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations. Sfc. Moyer’s platoon was committed to attack and secure commanding terrain stubbornly defended by a numerically superior hostile force emplaced in well-fortified positions. Advancing up the rocky hill, the leading elements came under intense automatic weapons, small-arms, and grenade fire, wounding the platoon leader and platoon sergeant. Sfc. Moyer, realizing the success of the mission was imperiled, rushed to the head of the faltering column, assumed command and urged the men forward. Inspired by Sfc. Moyer’s unflinching courage, the troops responded magnificently, but as they reached the final approaches to the rugged crest of the hill, enemy fire increased in volume and intensity and the fanatical foe showered the platoon with grenades. Undaunted, the valiant group forged ahead, and as they neared the top of the hill, the enemy hurled a grenade into their midst. Sfc. Moyer, fully aware of the odds against him, unhesitatingly threw himself on the grenade, absorbing the full blast of the explosion with his body. Although mortally wounded in this fearless display of valor, Sfc. Moyer’s intrepid act saved several of his comrades from death or serious injury, and his inspirational leadership and consummate devotion to duty contributed significantly to the subsequent seizure of the enemy stronghold and reflect lasting glory on himself and the noble traditions of the military service.