Rodger Wilton Young
| Rodger Young | |
|---|---|
Young as a sergeant
|
|
| Born |
April 28, 1918 Tiffin, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | July 31, 1943 (aged 25) Munda, New Georgia |
| Place of burial | McPherson Cemetery in Clyde, Ohio |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America
|
| Service/branch | |
| Years of service | 1938–1943 |
| Rank | Sergeant (voluntarily reduced to Private) |
| Unit | 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | Medal of Honor, Purple Heart |
Rodger Wilton Young (April 28, 1918 – July 31, 1943) was a United States Army soldier during World War II. An infantryman, he was killed on the island of New Georgia while helping his platoon withdraw under enemy fire. For his actions, he posthumously received the United States' highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor.
Young is remembered in a song, "The Ballad of Rodger Young" by Frank Loesser, most famously recorded by Burl Ives, which extolled his courage and willingness to die to protect his comrades in arms.
Young was born in Tiffin, Ohio on April 28, 1918, to Nicholas Young and his wife. As a boy, he lived in Green Springs, Ohio before moving to the town of Clyde, Ohio. During his formative years, Young liked to go hunting and developed his marksmanship skills.
Although a small-statured boy, Young was a keen athlete. During his freshman year at high school, Young tried out for the football team. He was not selected initially, but during practice Young's enthusiasm convinced the coach to let him play occasionally.
...
Wikipedia