MAJOR Young served the nation in three wars – the World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.  He also fought its domestic enemies, the communist Hukbalahap and its successor, the New People’s Army from the 1940s to the 1960s.

He was conscripted by the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) as a 19-year-old crew of SS Legaspi during World War Two.  He was captured, but later  escaped to join the 72nd infantry of the Military District of Negros Island.  He was awarded the US Silver Star for his service during World War II.  Seventy three years (73) after World War II (2018), he was one of the first 12 Filipino Veterans who received the US Congressional Gold Medal.

Maj. Young  was part of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (Peftok). He was an M-24 Chaffee Tank Commander during the Korean War with the 10th Battalion Combat Team from September 1950-October 1951. In 2018, he was awarded the  Republic of Korea’s highest Medal of Valor, the 1st Class of the Taeguk Cordon of Military Merit for outstanding performance and selfless sacrifice during the Battle of Miudong, North Korea on 11 November 1950.

During the Vietnam War, he was involved in the Civil Operations and Revolutionary Development Support with the forces of the Philippines, United States and the then Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam).

In nearly three decades of military service, he was awarded 27 military medals.

After retirement from military service, he dedicated himself to help and care for his fellow veterans through his active involvement with the Peftok Veterans Association Inc., and perpetuate the legacy of the Filipino war veterans.  He served PVAI on several capacity as president of the 10th BCT chapter and officer of the board of directors.  He was elected as president of PVAI in 2019 at age 97 and held the position for three years till 2021.

During his tenure, he worked to expand the reach of scholarships to descendants of Korean War veterans. He tirelessly engaged with various groups to sponsor scholarships and donations for the veterans and their descendants especially during the time of pandemic. He usually would gladly accept speaking engagements, lectures and interviews for the broader audience to understand the lessons of the Korean War and the bravery and sacrifices of his fellow Filipino veterans.

ANNOUNCEMENT

It is with great sorrow that the family wishes to announce the passing of our beloved father and grandfather, Major Maximo P. Young (PA, Ret.), after 99 remarkable years.
Daddy Max joins his wife, Norma, in the loving arms of God, and is survived by his children: Wally and Dang, William and Terry, Winston and Rally, Wilson and Len, Wilbert and Amy, Wilma and Ronnie, Wandra and Dave, Warren and Patty, and Mae; as well as Daddy Max’s 27 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild, Dylan. He is also survived by his second wife, Mercy, and her children: Nancy and Sindre, and Melody.

Atty. Walter T. Young
Son of Maj. Maximo P. Young