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August 21, 2024
Today in Texas History
On this day in 1968, Staff Sgt. Marvin Young died near Ben Cui, Vietnam. The native of Alpine had graduated from Permian Basin High school and attended Odessa Junior College. He enlisted in the army in 1966.
On Aug. 21, 1968, he was leading a patrol of Company C, Fifth Infantry, Twenty-fifth Infantry Division when they were attacked by a large force of North Vietnamese. When the squad leader was killed, Young assumed command and repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire, while encouraging his men.
Despite orders to pull back, he remained behind to assist several of his men who were unable to withdraw. He received a critical head injury. Refusing assistance, he still stayed to cover the withdrawal and was killed.
His parents were presented the Medal of Honor at the White House on April 7, 1970, by President Richard Nixon. Marvin Young is buried in the Sunset Cemetery at Odessa.
On Aug. 21, 1968, he was leading a patrol of Company C, Fifth Infantry, Twenty-fifth Infantry Division when they were attacked by a large force of North Vietnamese. When the squad leader was killed, Young assumed command and repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire, while encouraging his men.
Despite orders to pull back, he remained behind to assist several of his men who were unable to withdraw. He received a critical head injury. Refusing assistance, he still stayed to cover the withdrawal and was killed.
His parents were presented the Medal of Honor at the White House on April 7, 1970, by President Richard Nixon. Marvin Young is buried in the Sunset Cemetery at Odessa.