William Owen Young
William Owen Young
From the Silver Star Citation awarded posthumously to William Owen Young, August 14th, 1945:
"For gallantry in action on 21 February 1945, near Cappla di Ropchidas, Italy. When the perimeter defense of a newly won maintained position had been set up, with four machine guns providing the major fire power, the enemy launched a strong counterattack in the area, accompanied by a terrific barrage of artillery, mortar, and small arms fire. First Lieutenant Young, a mortar officer, took charge of the machine guns when their officers were incapacitated, and cautioned the men to hold their fire until the enemy were close enough to present profitable targets, thus keeping the position of the automatic weapons secret until a devastating surprise fire could be opened. The enemy, attacking frontal were met by the direct fire of the machine guns and those who attempted to come around the right flank were stopped with grenades. Throughout the action, First Lieutenant Young daringly exposed himself to the terrific shelling and fire of the enemy to direct the machine guns and himself fired many rifle grenades into the advancing hostile troops. The disorganized enemy commenced a slow retreat, as he attempted to bring mortar fire on the beaten force. Communication wires had been disrupted, and it was impossible to contact his section by radio. After several minutes, a wireman serviced and repaired the telephone line, and First Lieutenant Young directed deadly mortar fire on the retreating hostile troops. When the enemy commenced retaliatory fire, a bursting shell burst near him, mortally wounding him. He never regained consciousness, but the inspiration of his actions had furnished the men with the spirit to continue on, rout the enemy, and maintain their positions First Lieutenant Young, by his exemplary and gallant deeds, has earned the undying memory of all who observed his heroism and brilliant leadership. Such great courage and aggressiveness at a critical time are truly worthy of the finest traditions of the United States Army."
First Lieutenant William Owen Young, was killed in action and buried in Italy. His
father eventually traveled there and met a priest who had befriended Bill Young. His
remains were then moved to Baltimore where he is now buried.
Submitted by his niece, Susan Hemphill.
Silver Star Citation
Sympathy letter from Father Gino Frediani
