Herbert A. Littleton | |
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Herbert Littleton, Medal of Honor recipient |
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Born | July 1, 1930 Mena, Arkansas |
Died | April 22, 1951 KIA in Chungehon, Korea |
(aged 20)
Allegiance | United States of America |
Service/branch | United States Marine Corps |
Years of service | 1948-1951 |
Rank | Private First Class |
Unit | 1st Battalion, 7th Marines |
Battles/wars | Korean War |
Awards | Medal of Honor Purple Heart |
Herbert A. Littleton (July 1, 1930 - April 22, 1951) was a United States Marine who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for falling on a grenade during the Korean War.
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Littleton, known as "Hal" to his family, was born on July 1, 1930, in Mena, Arkansas. His family then lived in Black Hawk, South Dakota. He attended high school in Sturgis, South Dakota, where he played basketball and football. He was employed by Electrical Appliance Corporation, Rapid City, South Dakota, before enlisting in the Marine Corps Reserve on July 29, 1948, for a one-year term. After his service, he moved to Nampa, Idaho, with his family in 1950 and worked as a lineman for Mountain States Telephone & Telegraph.[1]
After the outbreak of the Korean War, Littleton reenlisted in the Marine Corps.[1] Following recruit training in San Diego, California, he trained at Camp Pendleton and went to Korea with the 3rd Replacement Draft, fighting in South and Central Korean operations from December 17, 1950 until his death.
Littleton earned the nation's highest award for valor on April 22, 1951, at Chungehon, when he smothered an enemy grenade with his body.[2] Littleton was the 16th Marine to receive the Medal of Honor in Korea.
In December 2009, the post office in Nampa, Idaho, was renamed in his honor.[1]
In addition to the Medal of Honor, PFC Littleton was awarded the Purple Heart; Korean Service Medal with one bronze star; and the United Nations Service Medal.
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Medal of Honor | ||
Purple Heart | Korean Service Medal with one bronze star | United Nations Service Medal |
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS HERBERT A. LITTLETON
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE
for service as set forth in the following CITATION:
/S/ HARRY S. TRUMAN