On July 31, 1943, during the brutal fighting on New Georgia in the Solomon Islands, Private Rodger Young of the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, faced overwhelming enemy fire in dense jungle terrain.

When his platoon was pinned down by a concealed Japanese machine gun just 75 yards away, Young was wounded in the initial burst. As his unit attempted to withdraw and reposition, he refused to leave the fight. Spotting the enemy emplacement, he crawled directly toward it under intense fire.

Hit a second time, he kept moving.

Alone and gravely wounded, Private Young advanced through the jungle, deliberately drawing fire to protect his fellow soldiers. Reaching grenade range, he attacked the machine gun nest—but was struck a third time and killed in action.

His sacrifice allowed his platoon to safely withdraw and establish a new defensive line.

For extraordinary heroism and selfless courage, Private Rodger Young was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

This is the story of one man who chose action over safety—and gave everything for his brothers in arms.

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