Donald R. Lobaugh
Encyclopedia
Donald Ronald Lobaugh 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
.
, 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
.
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
.
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
—for his actions in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
Biography
Lobaugh joined the Army from his birth place of Freeport, PennsylvaniaFreeport, Pennsylvania
Freeport is a borough in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, United States; it is situated along the Allegheny River in the southwest corner of the county. The population was 1,962 at the 2000 Census. Freeport received its name from David Todd, who declared it to be a free-port where no man would be...
, and by July 22, 1944 was serving as a private
Private (rank)
A Private is a soldier of the lowest military rank .In modern military parlance, 'Private' is shortened to 'Pte' in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries and to 'Pvt.' in the United States.Notably both Sir Fitzroy MacLean and Enoch Powell are examples of, rare, rapid career...
in the 127th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division. On that day, near Afua
Afua
Afua is a member of the Fakaofo island group of Tokelau. The name also means "A girl born on Friday", in Ghana and Akan language....
, New Guinea
New Guinea
New Guinea is the world's second largest island, after Greenland, covering a land area of 786,000 km2. Located in the southwest Pacific Ocean, it lies geographically to the east of the Malay Archipelago, with which it is sometimes included as part of a greater Indo-Australian Archipelago...
, 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
Rimersburg, Pennsylvania
Rimersburg is a borough in Clarion County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. The population was 1,051 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Rimersburg is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of , all of it land....
. In 2004 he was inducted into the Hall of Valor at the Soldiers and Sailors National Military Museum and Memorial
Soldiers and Sailors National Military Museum and Memorial
Soldiers and Sailors National Military Museum and Memorial is a National Register of Historic Places landmark in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States...
in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in the US Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Allegheny County. Regionally, it anchors the largest urban area of Appalachia and the Ohio River Valley, and nationally, it is the 22nd-largest urban area in the United States...
.
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 grenadeHand grenadeA hand grenade is any small bomb that can be thrown by hand. Hand grenades are classified into three categories, explosive grenades, chemical and gas grenades. Explosive grenades are the most commonly used in modern warfare, and are designed to detonate after impact or after a set amount of time...
, 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 bridgeCantilever bridge
A cantilever bridge is a bridge built using cantilevers, structures that project horizontally into space, supported on only one end. For small footbridges, the cantilevers may be simple beams; however, large cantilever bridges designed to handle road or rail traffic use trusses built from...
across the Allegheny River
Allegheny River
The Allegheny River is a principal tributary of the Ohio River; it is located in the Eastern United States. The Allegheny River joins with the Monongahela River to form the Ohio River at the "Point" of Point State Park in Downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania...
between Buffalo Township
Buffalo Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania
Buffalo Township is a township in Butler County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 6,827 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , of which, of it is land and of it is water.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000,...
and Allegheny Township
Allegheny Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania
Allegheny Township is a township in Butler County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 555 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , all of it land.-Demographics:...
, Pennsylvania was named in Lobaugh's honor. Lobaugh was born in the nearby town of Freeport, Pennsylvania
Freeport, Pennsylvania
Freeport is a borough in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, United States; it is situated along the Allegheny River in the southwest corner of the county. The population was 1,962 at the 2000 Census. Freeport received its name from David Todd, who declared it to be a free-port where no man would be...
.
See also
- List of Medal of Honor recipients
- Donald R. Lobaugh BridgeDonald R. Lobaugh BridgeThe Donald R. Lobaugh Bridge is a cantilever bridge that carries vehicular traffic across the Allegheny River between both Buffalo and Allegheny townships in Pennsylvania.-History:...