Story of the Libby Bridge

The Libby Bridge spans the Imjin River north of the Spoonbill region. The bridge is named after SGT George D. Libby, the first Medal of Honor recipient of the Korean War. Sergeant Libby's Medal of Honor citation is below. This view of the bridge is looking south with the village of Chang-Pari in the background. The first building on the left side of the road into Chang-Pari was the Last Chance Bar. The sign read "First Chance" on the way into the village and "Last Chance" on the way out of town. It was a convenient place to have your last drink as you waited for transportation back to your unit north of the Imjin. The bridge is the work of the 84th Engineer Battalion and is one of the largest troop contruction projects on record in Korea. The 84th Engineer Battalion was awarded the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation for the project. Five 48 inch steel I-beams span the thousand feet length of the bridge. The citation for the Battalion's work on the bridge reads in part:

"In spite of the magnitude of the project, the work was adventurously begun by the enthusiastic and capable men in the Battalion. Extreme difficulties in setting steel-pilings and concrete columns failed to daunt the men, the project was carried forward with determination, courage and esprit de corp. Every phase of the task was marked by competent performance and steadfast devotion to duty of personnel assigned to the organization. Two men gave their lives during the six months the Battalion devoted their best energies to accomplishing this worthy project. The bridge will serve as a main supply route for the western portion of the front, and will prove of international significance in contributing to the success of the United Nations campaign in Korea and to the reconstruction of our war-torn country. The meritorious accomplishment of the officers and the men of the 84th United States Engineer Construction Battalion is in keeping with the highest humanitarian and military traditions and reflects great glory upon the Battalion and the United Nations in the fight against Communist aggression in Korea."

The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor

to
LIBBY, GEORGE D.

Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company C, 3d Engineer Combat Battalion, 24th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Taejon, Korea, 20 July 1950. Entered service at: Waterbury, Conn. Birth: Bridgton, Maine. G.O. No.: 62, 2 August 1951.

Citation:

LIBBY, GEORGE D. Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company C, 3d Engineer Combat Battalion, 24th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Taejon, Korea, 20 July 1950. Entered service at: Waterbury, Conn. Birth: Bridgton, Maine. G.O. No.: 62, 2 August 1951. Citation: Sgt. Libby distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action. While breaking through an enemy encirclement, the vehicle in which he was riding approached an enemy roadblock and encountered devastating fire which disabled the truck, killing or wounding all the passengers except Sgt. Libby. Taking cover in a ditch Sgt. Libby engaged the enemy and despite the heavy fire crossed the road twice to administer aid to his wounded comrades. He then hailed a passing M-5 artillery tractor and helped the wounded aboard. The enemy directed intense small-arms fire at the driver, and Sgt. Libby, realizing that no one else could operate the vehicle, placed himself between the driver and the enemy thereby shielding him while he returned the fire. During this action he received several wounds in the arms and body. Continuing through the town the tractor made frequent stops and Sgt. Libby helped more wounded aboard. Refusing first aid, he continued to shield the driver and return the fire of the enemy when another roadblock was encountered. Sgt. Libby received additional wounds but held his position until he lost consciousness. Sgt. Libby's sustained, heroic actions enabled his comrades to reach friendly lines. His dauntless courage and gallant self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit upon himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of the U.S. Army.



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