Richard C. "Dick" De Young

Richard "Dick" De Young was an American, born Feb 16,1923 and raised in Paterson, NJ, where he lettered in 4 sports, held the NJ 880 State record in 1940 and won a football scholarship to U. of Maryland, which he declined to join the NJ National Guard in May, 1940.

He trained at Ft. Dix, NJ, maneuvered in NC in 1941, was assigned to coastal beach patrols in NJ and spent some time learning to swear at mules. He hated that so much he jumped at the chance to join the Force in April, 1942.

He trained at Helena, spoke of his surprise at making his first jump after a 1/2 hour of training? and was in the reserve Regiment (2d) at Kiska. He was in the assault of La Difensa and everything I have researched or remembered so far suggests he was in 1-2.He was wounded in the Winter Line assaults and missed some of Anzio ops.

He was in the assault of Iles d' Hyeres and was seriously wounded shot through the neck on Sept 11. Paralyzed during a counter-attack, he was stripped of watch,weapons and possessions and thought dead apparently by both sides. During the Force assault to retake the position (Capt. Underhill's Co. at the time), he again was wounded by shrapnel in the back of the head. A litter man noticed his eye move and he was transported in a few days to Naples.

He actually returned to service with the 474 in the Rhineland and Norway campaigns and liberation.He returned to the States with 474, and was seperated at Ft. Dix,honorably discharged (as a PFC!)

Richard "Dick" de Young pictured at right with two other forcemen

Please note that Dick is not named in ANY force book. His name is not even listed in the Burhans or other roster lists.

If you have any other info about Dick De Young please contact his son Richard at rcdy@mac.com

Pictures and Info contributed by Dick's son Richard De Young III

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