Medal of Honor: George D. Libby – Korean War, July 19–20, 1953

Shield of the Road: George D. Libby
Rank: Sergeant
Conflict: Korean War
Unit: Company C, 3rd Engineer Combat Battalion, 24th Infantry Division
Date of Action: July 20, 1950
Location: Near Taejon, Korea

Summary of Action:
In the desperate early days of the Korean War, as American forces struggled to hold back the North Korean onslaught, Sergeant George D. Libby displayed a level of heroism that would define the valor of the U.S. Army's fighting spirit.

Born in Bridgton, Maine, and entering service from Waterbury, Connecticut, Sgt. Libby was part of a unit retreating from the embattled city of Taejon. His vehicle was ambushed at an enemy roadblock, instantly shredding it with gunfire and killing or wounding all aboard—except him. Taking cover in a ditch, Libby returned fire with deadly resolve. Under intense fire, he crossed the road twice to aid the wounded, then flagged down an M5 artillery tractor attempting to escape the carnage.

As the enemy concentrated fire on the vehicle, Libby realized the driver was the only one who could get them out—and that he was exposed. Without hesitation, Libby climbed onto the side step of the tractor and placed his own body between the enemy and the driver, using himself as a human shield while firing back at the attackers.

Though hit multiple times, he refused medical treatment. At every stop along the way, he helped load more wounded onto the vehicle, shielding the driver the entire time. When they encountered a second roadblock, Libby was shot again and finally lost consciousness. But by then, the driver and wounded had escaped to friendly lines—because George Libby had absorbed the storm.

Medal of Honor Citation:
Sgt. Libby distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action. While breaking through an enemy encirclement, the vehicle in which he was riding approached an enemy roadblock and encountered devastating fire which disabled the truck, killing or wounding all the passengers except Sgt. Libby.

Taking cover in a ditch, Sgt. Libby engaged the enemy and despite the heavy fire crossed the road twice to administer aid to his wounded comrades. He then hailed a passing M-5 artillery tractor and helped the wounded aboard. The enemy directed intense small-arms fire at the driver, and Sgt. Libby, realizing that no one else could operate the vehicle, placed himself between the driver and the enemy thereby shielding him while he returned the fire.

During this action he received several wounds in the arms and body. Continuing through the town, the tractor made frequent stops and Sgt. Libby helped more wounded aboard. Refusing first aid, he continued to shield the driver and return the fire of the enemy. When another roadblock was encountered, Sgt. Libby received additional wounds but held his position until he lost consciousness.

Sgt. Libby’s sustained, heroic actions enabled his comrades to reach friendly lines. His dauntless courage and gallant self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit upon himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of the U.S. Army.