Years of service 1942 - 1944 Awards Medal of Honor Died July 22, 1944 Rank Private | Name Donald Lobaugh Battles/wars World War II Battles and wars World War II | |
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Born February 7, 1925
Freeport, Pennsylvania ( 1925-02-07 ) Place of burial Rimersburg Cemetery Rimersburg, Pennsylvania | ||
Service/branch United States Army Allegiance United States of America | ||
Donald Ronald Lobaugh (February 7, 1925 – July 22, 1944) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.
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Biography
Lobaugh joined the Army from his birthplace of Freeport, Pennsylvania in May 1942, and by July 22, 1944 was serving as a private in the 127th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division. On that day, near Afua, New Guinea, he single-handedly attacked an enemy machine gun emplacement which was pinning down one platoon of his company. Lobaugh was killed in the attack and, on April 17, 1945, posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
Lobaugh, aged 19 at his death, was buried at Rimersburg Cemetery in Rimersburg, Pennsylvania. In 2004 he was inducted into the Hall of Valor at the Soldiers and Sailors National Military Museum and Memorial in Pittsburgh.
Medal of Honor citation
Private Lobaugh's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty near Afua, New Guinea, on July 22, 1944. While Pvt. Lobaugh's company was withdrawing from its position on July 21, the enemy attacked and cut off approximately 1 platoon of our troops. The platoon immediately occupied, organized, and defended a position, which it held throughout the night. Early on July 22, an attempt was made to effect its withdrawal, but during the preparation therefor, the enemy emplaced a machinegun, protected by the fire of rifles and automatic weapons, which blocked the only route over which the platoon could move. Knowing that it was the key to the enemy position, Pfc. Lobaugh volunteered to attempt to destroy this weapon, even though in order to reach it he would be forced to work his way about 30 yards over ground devoid of cover. When part way across this open space he threw a hand grenade, but exposed himself in the act and was wounded. Heedless of his wound, he boldly rushed the emplacement, firing as he advanced. The enemy concentrated their fire on him, and he was struck repeatedly, but he continued his attack and killed 2 more before he was himself slain. Pfc. Lobaugh's heroic actions inspired his comrades to press the attack, and to drive the enemy from the position with heavy losses. His fighting determination and intrepidity in battle exemplify the highest traditions of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Recognition
In 1965, a vehicular cantilever bridge across the Allegheny River between Buffalo Township and Allegheny Township, Pennsylvania was named in Lobaugh's honor. Lobaugh was born in the nearby town of Freeport, Pennsylvania.