The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, SFC Donald R. Moyer, RA16263096, who died in the service of his country on May 20th, 1951 in South Korea. The cause of death was listed as KIA. At the time of his death Donald was 21 years of age. He was from Pontiac, Michigan. Donald's Military Occupation Specialty was 1745-Light Weapons Infantry Leader.
The decorations earned by SFC Donald R. Moyer include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Medal of Honor, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Korea Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
Sergeant First Class Moyer was an assistant platoon leader with Company E, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. He was seriously wounded in South Korea on January 3, 1951 and returned to duty on March 21, 1951. On May 20, 1951, his platoon attacked a well fortified enemy position near Seoul, South Korea. When the attack bogged down, he rushed to the head of the platoon and assumed command. As he reached the top of the hill, an enemy grenade fell in their midst. He unhesitatingly fell on the grenade to protect his comrades. For his leadership and great valor, Sergeant First Class Moyer was awarded the Medal of Honor, the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean War Service Medal.
MEDAL OF HONOR Citation
General Order Number 19, 1 February 1952.
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.
Donald is buried in the Perry Mount Park Cemetery in Keego Harbor, MI (Near Pontiac).
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