Captain John Howard Yancey

Description:

Captain John Yancey, deceased, Little Rock, United States Marine Corps, World War II and Korean War.   Some of his awards include two Navy Crosses the Bronze Star with “V” for heroism, and two Purple Hearts for wounds suffered in combat.  Because of his actions on Guadalcanal, Corporal Yancey was awarded the Navy Cross and given a battlefield promotion to Second Lieutenant.  At the end of World War II, he was released from active duty and joined the Marine Corps Reserve Unit in Little Rock.  At the outbreak of the Korean War, John was called to active duty for his second combat tour and was awarded his second Navy Cross.  

"For extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine infantry battalion in Korea on 27 and 28 November 1950. First Lieutenant Yancey was serving as the leader of the 2nd platoon of his infantry company which was assigned the mission of defending the high ground north of Yudam-ni, Korea. On the night of 27 and day of 28 November when his company came under savage and sustained attack by a force of approximately two enemy battalions and the enemy had broken through the 3rd platoon positions, with complete disregard for his own personal safety he ran to the 3rd Platoon lines through heavy enemy fire and into the midst of the enemy, fighting hand to hand and yelling words of encouragement to the men of the 3rd platoon. He so inspired the men that the enemy break through was stopped and although a bullet had penetrated his left cheek and lodged in his neck, he directed the reorganization of the 3rd platoon. After reorganizing the 3rd platoon and upon discovering that his company commander had been killed, Lieutenant Yancey went from platoon to platoon through heavy enemy fire, directing the reorganization of the entire company. Although wounded two more times, Lieutenant Yancey refused to be evacuated and continued to lead and inspire his men to repulse two more enemy attacks, and only when he was weakened by loss of blood and could no longer see because of his facial wounds did he consent to evacuation. His aggressive and positive leadership and determination in the face of overwhelming odds inspired all who served with him and were directly instrumental in the defense of the company’s position. Lieutenant Yancey's display of outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

More Info:

Captain John Howard Yancey, United States Marine Corps Reserve. Served two combat tours, one in World War II and one in Korea. His awards include two Navy Crosses, the Bronze Star Medal and two Purple Heart Medals.