TFH 7/20: Sergeant George D. Libby, USA

George Dalton Libby was born on December 4, 1919 in Bridgton, Maine. He fought in Europe with the United States Army during World War II, and stayed in the Army after the war. In 1950 he was serving with the 24th Infantry Division on occupation duty in Japan.

Most US Army formations were grossly understrength following post-war cutbacks, and the 24ID was no exception. Their languishing in occupation duty further sapped their fighting abilities. On June 25, 1950 when the North Korean communists invaded South Korea starting the Korean War, the 24th Infantry Division was rushed by President Truman's orders onto the Korean peninsula.

The 24th's orders were to slow the North Korean advance and await for reinforcements from additional American units. They were to trade men and materiel for time and distance - acting in effect as a military "speed bump". They suffered defeat after defeat in the early days of fighting.

From July 14-21 the 24th made a valiant stand at the Battle of Taejon against three attacking North Korean divisions. During this battle, then-Sergeant George D. Libby of the 24th's 3d Engineer Combat Battalion found himself as the only uninjured member of his unit after they were ambushed. He repeatedly put himself at risk to protect his comrades and became the first recipient of the Medal of Honor for the war.


From Medal of Honor Citations for the Korean War:


*LIBBY, GEORGE D.


Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company C, 3d Engineer Combat Battalion, 24th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Taejon, Korea, 20 July 1950. Entered service at: Waterbury, Conn. Birth: Bridgton, Maine. G.O. No.: 62, 2 August 1951. 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.

Sergeant Libby is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The 24th Infantry Division was inactivated most recently in 2006. It appears that the 3d Engineer Battalion is also inactive.