Unit/Command: Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division
Military Service Branch: U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
Medal of Honor Action Date: April 22, 1951
Medal of Honor Action Place: Chungchon, Korea
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 missle, 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.
Medal of Honor Recipient Herbert A. Littleton
Additional Details
Accredited to: Nampa, Canyon County, Idaho
Awarded Posthumously: Yes
Presentation Date & Details: August 19, 1952 Boise, Idaho - Naval Marine Corp Reserve Training Center - Presented by Colonel Ernest W.Fry to his parents.
Born: July 1, 1930, Mena, Polk County, AR, United States
Died: April 22, 1951, Korea
Buried: Kohler Lawn Cemetery (MH) (R-388-3-1), Nampa, ID, United States