This week’s stop on our tour of Medal of Honor recipients from the 50 states brings us to South Dakota and Marine Pfc. Herbert A. Littleton. Littleton was just 20 years-old when he answered the call of duty in the Korean War.

Make the most of your day!

–RJL

Herbert A. Littleton

Rank: Private First Class Organization: U.S. Marine Corps Company: Company C, 1st Battalion Division: 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division Born: 1 July 1930, Mena, Ark. Departed: Yes Entered Service At: Blackhawk, S. Dak. G.O. Number: Date of Issue:  Accredited To: Place / Date: Chungchon, Korea, 22 April 1951

Citation

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.