Tibor Rubin
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment
1st Cavalry Division
Medal of Honor Recipient
Korean War POW Survivor
Born: June 18, 1929 — Pásztó, Hungary
Home of Record: Garden Grove, California
Service: U.S. Army, Korean War
POW: July 1950 – August 1953
EARLY LIFE
Tibor Rubin’s journey to becoming an American hero began far from Korea.
Born in Hungary, Rubin was imprisoned as a teenager in the Nazi concentration camp at Mauthausen during World War II. He survived the Holocaust and was liberated by American soldiers in 1945.
From that moment forward, he made a promise: if he ever had the chance, he would serve the United States.
He immigrated to America and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1950.
HEROISM IN KOREA
During the early months of the Korean War, Rubin’s unit faced overwhelming enemy attacks.
Near Pusan in July 1950, Rubin volunteered to stay behind alone on a hilltop to delay advancing enemy forces. For 24 hours, he fought single-handedly, firing his machine gun and throwing grenades, slowing the enemy advance and allowing his unit to withdraw safely.
His actions saved countless lives.
Soon afterward, he was captured by enemy forces.
PRISONER OF WAR
Rubin spent more than two and a half years as a prisoner of war in brutal North Korean camps.
Conditions were severe:
- starvation rations
- disease and exposure
- forced labor
- constant uncertainty
Drawing on the survival skills he learned during the Holocaust, Rubin risked punishment by sneaking out at night to steal food and medicine for fellow prisoners.
He shared everything he obtained.
Many fellow POWs later testified that Rubin’s actions saved their lives.
HONOR LONG OVERDUE
Despite repeated recommendations during the war, recognition of Rubin’s heroism was delayed for decades.
In 2005, Corporal Tibor Rubin was finally awarded the Medal of Honor by President George W. Bush.
He became one of the few soldiers in American history recognized both as a Holocaust survivor and a Medal of Honor recipient.
LEGACY
Tibor Rubin fought tyranny twice in one lifetime.
First as a prisoner who survived unimaginable cruelty.
Then as a soldier who chose to defend the nation that gave him freedom.
He did not fight for recognition.
He fought out of gratitude.
Corporal Tibor Rubin
A survivor.
A soldier.
An American hero.
Honor The Fallen. Support The Living. Teach The Next Generation.
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