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First Name: Donald

Last Name: Moyer

Birthplace: Pontiac, MI, USA

Gender: Male

Branch: Army (1784 - present)



Home of Record: Keego Harbor, MI
Middle Name: Raymond



Date of Birth: 15 April 1930

Date of Death: 20 May 1951

Rank: Sergeant First Class

Years Served: 1948 - 1951
Donald Raymond Moyer

   
Engagements:
•  Korean War (1950 - 1953)

Biography:

Donald Raymond Moyer
Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Korean War

Donald Raymond Moyer was born on 15 April 1930, at Pontiac, MI. He was a Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on 20 May 1951.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, Company E, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division

Place and date: Near Seoul, Korea, 20 May 1951

Entered service at: Keego Harbor, Oakland County, MI

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.

Other Medals

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Moyer was awarded the Purple Heart.

Death and Burial

Sergeant First Class Donald Raymond Moyer was killed in action on 20 May 1951. He is buried at Perry Mount Park Cemetery in Pontiac, MI.



Honoree ID: 1211   Created by: MHOH

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