Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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Vietnam War - U.S. Marine Corps

Walter Keith Singleton

Details
  • Rank: Sergeant
  • Conflict/Era: Vietnam War
  • Unit/Command:
    Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines,
    3d Marine Division (Rein) FMF
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: March 24, 1967
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Gio Linh District, Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam
Citation
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 machine gun 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 eight 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.
Medal of Honor Recipient Walter K. Singleton
Medal of Honor Recipient Walter K. Singleton
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: September 4, 1968
    Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., presented by Secretary of the Navy Paul R. Ignatius to his family
  • Born: December 7, 1944, Memphis, Shelby County, TN, United States
  • Died: March 24, 1967, Republic of Vietnam
  • Buried: Memory Hill Gardens Cemetery (PM) (C-243-1) , Memphis, TN, United States
 

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