Sergeant Young Min Dillon, A Soldier's Story
Sergeant Young Min Dillon, A Soldier's Story
Young Min Dillon was born on November 28, 1963, in Seoul, South Korea. While still young, his family was repatriated to the United States and settled in Colorado, where Dillon attended schools in the Aurora area and made his home.
Shortly after graduating from high school, Dillon enlisted in the United States Army. He was assigned to the 3rd Armored Division and deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, serving as part of coalition forces preparing for large-scale ground combat.
On February 26, 1991, just hours before the armored assault against Iraqi forces, Dillon’s unit encountered a critical communications failure. Recognizing the urgency of restoring contact before the attack began, Sergeant Dillon raced back to the operations area to obtain a replacement radio for his M113 armored personnel carrier. He returned to his vehicle and completed the installation under active enemy fire.
After restoring communications, Dillon climbed into the gun turret of the M113 to rejoin the fight. During the final moments before the ground assault commenced, a round fired by friendly forces fell short of its target and struck his vehicle. Sergeant Young Min Dillon was killed in the incident.
For his extraordinary courage, initiative, and devotion to duty under fire, Sergeant Dillon was posthumously awarded the Silver Star. His actions ensured his unit was fully prepared for the assault and reflected selfless commitment in the face of imminent danger.
Sergeant Young Min Dillon is buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado. His service and sacrifice remain part of the enduring record of those who bore the heaviest burdens of the Gulf War’s final hours.
_____________________________________________________________________________
About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller based in Tontitown, Arkansas.
She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.
You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.
✨ #TakeTheBackRoads
Enjoyed this post? Support the adventure by visiting my sponsors, shopping the gallery, or buying me a cup of coffee!
