TFH 5/20: Sergeant First Class Donald R. Moyer, USA

Donald Raymond Moyer was born April 15, 1930 in Pontiac, Michigan. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1948 and was posted to the 25th Infantry Division with the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, then still on World War II occupation duty in Japan. With the outbreak of war in Korea during 1950, the 25th Division was one of the first American units committed to battle.

During an attack against key high ground held by the communist enemy on May 20, 1951, Moyer took command of his platoon after its leader and platoon sergeant fell wounded. He rallied his soldiers in the attack, and then when a grenade threatened to decimate the men around him, Moyer used his own body to save the day. His supreme act of courage was recognized with the Medal of Honor.


From Medal of Honor Citations for the Korean War:


*MOYER, DONALD R.


Rank and organization: Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, Company E, 35th Infantry Regiment. Place and date: Near Seoul, Korea, 20 May 1951. Entered service at: Keego Harbor, Oakland, Mich. Born: 15 April 1930, Pontiac, Mich. G.O. No.: 19, 1 February 1952. Citation: 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.

Moyer rests in peace at Perry Mount Park Cemetery in Pontiac. 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry is still an active infantry battalion today with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawai'i.