Medal of Honor: Herbert A. Littleton - Korean War - April 22, 1951

Name: Herbert A. Littleton
Rank: Private First Class
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
War: Korean War
Unit: Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced)
Date of Action: April 22, 1951
Location: Chungchon, Korea

Summary of Action

On 22 April 1951, Private First Class Herbert A. Littleton distinguished himself while serving as a radio operator with an artillery forward observation team attached to Company C near Chungchon, Korea.

During the night, a well-concealed and numerically superior enemy force launched a violent attack from nearby positions against his company.

Standing watch, Littleton quickly detected the assault.

He immediately alerted the forward observation team and moved into an advantageous position to help call artillery fire onto the advancing enemy.

Accurate artillery support was critical to the defense and the survival of the company.

Moments after the rest of the team joined him, an enemy hand grenade landed directly in their position.

Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own safety, Littleton threw himself upon the grenade.

He absorbed the full force of the explosion with his body.

His sacrifice shielded the other members of the team from death or serious injury.

Because of his actions, the surviving team members were able to continue their vital mission and direct the fire that helped repulse the hostile attack.

By his fearless self-sacrifice, indomitable valor, and devotion to comrades, Herbert A. Littleton reflected the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Medal of Honor Citation

LITTLETON, HERBERT A.

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, in action against enemy aggressor forces. Standing watch when a well-concealed and numerically superior enemy force launched a violent night attack from nearby positions against his company, Pfc. 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 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 Pfc. Littleton and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.