Medal of Honor: Walter K. Singleton – Vietnam War – March 24, 1967

Name: Walter K. Singleton
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
War: Vietnam War
Unit: Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division
Date of Action: March 24, 1967
Location: Gio Linh District, Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action

On 24 March 1967, Sergeant Walter K. Singleton’s company was conducting combat operations in Gio Linh District when the lead platoon was struck by intense small arms, automatic weapons, rocket, and mortar fire from a well-entrenched enemy force.

As the Marines fought forward under punishing fire, casualties mounted quickly.

Recognizing that wounded men needed immediate help, Singleton left a relatively safe rear position and repeatedly crossed the enemy kill zone to drag injured Marines out of the line of fire.

Trip after trip, he exposed himself to save others.

Seeing that much of the hostile fire was coming from a hedgerow strongpoint, Singleton seized a machine gun and launched a one-man assault.

Firing as he advanced, he drove straight into the center of the enemy position.

Even after being mortally wounded, he continued the attack.

His fearless charge killed eight enemy soldiers and drove the surviving defenders from the hedgerow.

Singleton’s bold action shattered the enemy defense, relieved pressure on his company, and saved the lives of many fellow Marines.

His courage, initiative, and devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and Naval Service.

Medal of Honor Citation

SINGLETON, WALTER K.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Singleton’s company was conducting combat operations when the lead platoon received intense small arms, automatic weapons, rocket, and mortar fire from a well entrenched enemy force. As the company fought its way forward, the extremely heavy enemy fire caused numerous friendly casualties. Sensing the need for early treatment of the wounded, Sgt. Singleton quickly moved from his relatively safe position in the rear of the foremost point of the advance and made numerous trips through the enemy killing zone to move the injured men out of the danger area. Noting that a large part of the enemy fire was coming from a hedgerow, he seized a machinegun and assaulted the key enemy location, delivering devastating fire as he advanced. He forced his way through the hedgerow directly into the enemy strong point. Although he was mortally wounded, his fearless attack killed 8 of the enemy and drove the remainder from the hedgerow. Sgt. Singleton’s bold actions completely disorganized the enemy defense and saved the lives of many of his comrades. His daring initiative selfless devotion to duty and indomitable fighting spirit reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps, and his performance upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.