Private First Class
United States Marine Corps Reserve
Herbert Littleton
PRIVATE
FIRST CLASS HERBERT A. LITTLETON
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE
For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty while serving as a Radio Operator with an Artillery Forward
Observation Team of Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine
Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on
22 April 1951. Standing watch when a well-concealed and numerically superior
enemy force launched a violent night attack from near- by positions against
his company, Private First Class Littleton quickly alerted the forward observation
team and immediately moved into an advantageous position to assist in calling
down artillery fire on the hostile force. When an enemy hand grenade was thrown
into his vantage point shortly after the arrival of the remainder of the team,
he unhesitatingly hurled himself on the deadly missile, absorbing its full,
shattering impact in his own body. By his prompt action and heroic spirit of
self-sacrifice, he saved the other members of his team from serious injury or
death and enabled them to carry on the vital mission which culminated in the
repulse of the hostile attack. His indomitable valor in the face of almost certain
death reflects the highest credit upon Private First Class Littleton and the
United States Naval
Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
HARRY
S. TRUMAN
President of the United States
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