Maximo P. Young

Maximo P. Young (July 30, 1922 – January 29, 2022), was a Filipino Army soldier who was a distinguished veteran of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He is a decorated and bemedaled war hero being a recipient of second highest military award Silver Star from the United States, the highest Military Award of Republic of Korea and Gold Cross Medal of the Philippines for his service in Korean War.

Background Young was born on July 30, 1922. He spent his childhood in Opon (now Lapu-Lapu City), Cebu. The unusual circumstances of his childhood, he almost died after contracting mysterious ailment but miraculously cured. He would work as seaman on SS Divina before the war.

He met his first wife Norma Tobias during his military deployment at Sta. Cruz, Laguna and courted her. They married and had 8 children together. When Norma died, he married his second wife Mercedes Secillano. While working at MV Legaspi, he was conscripted by USAFFE and spent the war on the boat, shipping critical supplies and troops through the waters around Manila. He continued his service with the Philippine Army

Upon returning home he became Tactical Officer in various ROTC training in colleges and universities in Metro Manila. He also became training officer in Army Training Center in Fort Bonifacio.

Vietnam War In 1966, he found himself in South Vietnam and served again as Military Advisor of the Civil Operations and Revolutionary Development Support Group (CORDS). He returned home after he was injured after evading having almost captured by armed men of the North Vietnamese Militia. He contracted a virulent ailment that almost brought him to the brink of death.

Upon returning home and recuperating from his injuries, Captain Maximo P. Young was posted as Security Officer at AFP Supply Center at Camp Murphy (now Camp Aguinaldo). He attained the rank of Major as his last rank before retiring.

Post Military Career After retiring he was employed first at the Regional Agency for anti-smuggling campaign. He worked in RR Public Relations Firm owned and managed by top PR practitioner. Later he worked as Marketing Marketing of Sugeco Corporation in Cebu where he was awarded a commendation by the association of the industry's various competitors in the market.

Awards and Legacy In 2018, along with late Captain Conrado Yap they were awarded the 1st Class of the Taeguk Cordon of Military Merit. He was one of the 12 Filipino Veterans awarded by Ambassador Sung Kim of US Congressional Gold Medal awarded to civilians by US Government 72 years later.

Death Major Maximo P. Young died on January 29, 2022, six month short of his 100th birthday due to heart ailment joining his first wife Norma and survived by his 8 children by his first wife and 27 grandchildren. He is also survived by his second wife Mercy and her 3 children.