Marine Corps League
Herbert A. Littleton Detachment 1261
Herbert A. Littleton Detachment 1261
Herbert A Littleton
The Ballad of Herbert A Littleton
The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
PFC Herbert A. Littleton
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.).
Place and date: Chungchon, Korea, 22 April 1951. Entered service at: Blackhawk, South Dakota
Accredited to: Nampa Id.
Born: 1 July 1930, Mena, Ark.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepdity 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 numberically 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 handgrenade 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.
HERBERT A LITTLETON DAY
A Celebration of Selfless Service and Self Sacrifice
Saturday, September 12, 2009 was a day that approximately 1,000 people gathered together in Mena, Arkansas in celebration of selfless service. While rain tried to dampen the spirits of those that celebrated the selfless service and self sacrifice as represented by Marine PFC Herbert A Littleton, and the acts of bravery for which he received the Medal of Honor and which his actions in Korea represent it could not. Herbert A. Littleton Day celebrations simply altered course and continued onward.
Beginning at 10:00 a.m. a Dedication Ceremony took place at the Old National Guard Armory on DeQueen Street in Mena. Speakers included Congressman Mike Ross, Marine Brigadier General Timothy C. Hanifen, Arkansas Deputy Adjutant General Brigadier General William J. Johnson, Marine Corps League National Commandant Jim Laskey as well as Ms. Patricia Duncan and Ms. Donna Littleton -members of the Littleton Family. All spoke on the selfless service and self sacrifice of not only Medal of Honor recipient Marine PFC Littleton but of those same qualities represented by our brave men and women that serve our country. Such selfless service and self sacrifice was also acknowledged as it played a great part in citizens helping one another recover from the recent tornado here in Polk County. Fifty members of the Mena High School Band gave up their Saturday to provided inspirational music to accompany the speeches and to add emphasis to the ideals of selfless service.
Following the Dedication Ceremony, celebrations moved on to the Polk County Courthouse. An Unveiling Ceremony took place in which a Memorial to Marine PFC Herbert A. Littleton was unveiled. The memorial displays an image of PFC Littleton, his Medal of Honor and a citation by the President of the United States that states the deeds for which PFC Littleton received the Medal of Honor.
The Unveiling Ceremony was followed by a reception and luncheon at the St Agnes Catholic Church, Parish Hall. This luncheon was provided by the Knights of Columbus and the Altar Society. This reception and luncheon provided an opportunity for those that attended to break bread together, visit the comrades of Herbert A. Littleton that fought alongside him in Korea, Littleton family members, fellow Marines and other honored guests.
At 2:00 p.m. this Celebration of selfless service and sacrifice moved to the Holly Harshman Gymnasium where the Mena High School band presented a free concert to celebrate not only Herbert A. Littleton but the selfless service and personal sacrifice of many of our fellow Americans. This program included a singing of the National Anthem by Mr. James Tarver, a speech by National Marine Corps League Commandant Jim Laskey and music by the Mena High School Band.
Mr. Buddy Hixon (who fought beside Herbert A. Littleton in Korea) stated that "I was originally disappointed that the Marine Corps Band that had been scheduled to provide music in support of Herbert A Littleton Day was not going to be available. However, after the wonderful presentation by the Mena High School Band I was glad that this band was the one that played and supported this wonderful day of celebration."
A Celebration of Selfless Service and Self Sacrifice
Saturday, September 12, 2009 was a day that approximately 1,000 people gathered together in Mena, Arkansas in celebration of selfless service. While rain tried to dampen the spirits of those that celebrated the selfless service and self sacrifice as represented by Marine PFC Herbert A Littleton, and the acts of bravery for which he received the Medal of Honor and which his actions in Korea represent it could not. Herbert A. Littleton Day celebrations simply altered course and continued onward.
Beginning at 10:00 a.m. a Dedication Ceremony took place at the Old National Guard Armory on DeQueen Street in Mena. Speakers included Congressman Mike Ross, Marine Brigadier General Timothy C. Hanifen, Arkansas Deputy Adjutant General Brigadier General William J. Johnson, Marine Corps League National Commandant Jim Laskey as well as Ms. Patricia Duncan and Ms. Donna Littleton -members of the Littleton Family. All spoke on the selfless service and self sacrifice of not only Medal of Honor recipient Marine PFC Littleton but of those same qualities represented by our brave men and women that serve our country. Such selfless service and self sacrifice was also acknowledged as it played a great part in citizens helping one another recover from the recent tornado here in Polk County. Fifty members of the Mena High School Band gave up their Saturday to provided inspirational music to accompany the speeches and to add emphasis to the ideals of selfless service.
Following the Dedication Ceremony, celebrations moved on to the Polk County Courthouse. An Unveiling Ceremony took place in which a Memorial to Marine PFC Herbert A. Littleton was unveiled. The memorial displays an image of PFC Littleton, his Medal of Honor and a citation by the President of the United States that states the deeds for which PFC Littleton received the Medal of Honor.
The Unveiling Ceremony was followed by a reception and luncheon at the St Agnes Catholic Church, Parish Hall. This luncheon was provided by the Knights of Columbus and the Altar Society. This reception and luncheon provided an opportunity for those that attended to break bread together, visit the comrades of Herbert A. Littleton that fought alongside him in Korea, Littleton family members, fellow Marines and other honored guests.
At 2:00 p.m. this Celebration of selfless service and sacrifice moved to the Holly Harshman Gymnasium where the Mena High School band presented a free concert to celebrate not only Herbert A. Littleton but the selfless service and personal sacrifice of many of our fellow Americans. This program included a singing of the National Anthem by Mr. James Tarver, a speech by National Marine Corps League Commandant Jim Laskey and music by the Mena High School Band.
Mr. Buddy Hixon (who fought beside Herbert A. Littleton in Korea) stated that "I was originally disappointed that the Marine Corps Band that had been scheduled to provide music in support of Herbert A Littleton Day was not going to be available. However, after the wonderful presentation by the Mena High School Band I was glad that this band was the one that played and supported this wonderful day of celebration."
HERBERT A. LITTLETON
AN EXTRORDINARY ORDINARY AMERICAN
During trying times like the ones we have today we often look at the negatives that surround us. For example we look at jobs lost, homes lost, lack of resources, and an uncertain future. Perhaps things are so dyer that we worry about simple necessities such as feeding ourselves and our families. In other words we focus on ourselves as victims. During such times we are in need of guidance, hope and leadership. Such leadership often comes from unexpected sources.
One such source arises when an ordinary person does an extraordinary act. This sets an example for us to follow. Such behavior often becomes a strong guiding light leading us in a direction that helps us understand our own as well as our fellow Americans strengths.
We, here in Arkansas are fortunate to have such an example in the form of Private First Class (PFC) Herbert A. Littleton. Herbert was born July 1, 1930 in Mena, Arkansas to Paul N. and Maude Littleton. Times were hard and money scarce (much like today). His family had to move to Port Orchard, Washington to work in the shipyards. Herbert and his family later moved on to South Dakota where he attended school. Like many young men Herbert played football and basketball and was a popular student during his public school days.
Herbert later was employed by the Electric Appliance Company in Rapid City, South Dakota. However he never lost touch with his rural values and country way of life that were instilled in him by his family.
With the advent of the Korean conflict Herbert voluntarily enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. On July 29, 1948 Herbert A. Littleton was sworn into service for his country. He completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. Then he completed his training at Camp Pendleton, California. Once this training was completed he was shipped off to Korea as part of the Third Replacement Draft to fight against enemy forces there. As with many other young men of his time he left behind his family and a girl with whom he planned to someday build a life with, have a family of his own, and live the American Dream.
Herbert A. Littleton fought in the Korean Conflict from December 17, 1950, until April 22, 1951. On April 22, 1951 PFC Littleton's battle ended as did his life. PFC Littleton, U.S Marine Corps Reserve, Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1St Marine Division (Reinforced) was killed by a North Korean grenade at Chungchon, Korea. While this in itself is a tragic event it is not what made PFC Littleton a great example that can be called upon to help lead us through hard times. Like most things it is not the event alone that brings out the best in us but how we choose to deal with those events (Our Lives).
The following Medal of Honor Citation explains how PFC Herbert A. Littleton chose to spend his life in defense of his fellow American and serve our country.
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.
In return for his selfless act PFC Herbert A. Littleton was recognized and honored by the President of the United States in the name of the Congress by being posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
Although he was born in Mena, Arkansas, until recently no Memorial or other recognition has been established in Arkansas in memory of this gallant Native Son. This situation will be rectified at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, 12 September, 2009 at the Polk County Court House, Mena, Arkansas. At this time and date a Memorial will be unveiled to Honor PFC Herbert A. Littleton. Music accompaniment will be provided by the Mena High School Band. At 2:00 p.m. there will also be a free memorial concert at the Mena High School Football field, provided by the Mena High School Band.
The memorial is the result of a grass roots movement spearheaded by the Herbert A. Littleton Detachment 1261 of the Marine Corps League, Mena Arkansas. With the support of the citizens of Mena and surrounding Polk County and others from outside the area funds have been raised to build this monument to our fallen comrade. Everyone is encouraged to attend this event.
By honoring the bravery and self sacrifice of PFC Littleton we honor not only him but others among us who have given much and asked little. We also honor ourselves.
As in the words of President Kennedy "Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country". It is with such a spirit of self sacrifice, hard work and human spirit that we as individuals and as a people can arise and overcome adversities. PFC Herbert A. Littleton' choices exemplify these values. His choice should serve to remind us that we are not in this world alone and that we need to look out for and help one another. Ultimately we are a result of the choices we make. Herbert A. Littleton and the choices he made serve as an example to lead and inspire us both as individuals and as a people. He was an extraordinary ordinary American.
Everyone is encouraged to attend.
AN EXTRORDINARY ORDINARY AMERICAN
During trying times like the ones we have today we often look at the negatives that surround us. For example we look at jobs lost, homes lost, lack of resources, and an uncertain future. Perhaps things are so dyer that we worry about simple necessities such as feeding ourselves and our families. In other words we focus on ourselves as victims. During such times we are in need of guidance, hope and leadership. Such leadership often comes from unexpected sources.
One such source arises when an ordinary person does an extraordinary act. This sets an example for us to follow. Such behavior often becomes a strong guiding light leading us in a direction that helps us understand our own as well as our fellow Americans strengths.
We, here in Arkansas are fortunate to have such an example in the form of Private First Class (PFC) Herbert A. Littleton. Herbert was born July 1, 1930 in Mena, Arkansas to Paul N. and Maude Littleton. Times were hard and money scarce (much like today). His family had to move to Port Orchard, Washington to work in the shipyards. Herbert and his family later moved on to South Dakota where he attended school. Like many young men Herbert played football and basketball and was a popular student during his public school days.
Herbert later was employed by the Electric Appliance Company in Rapid City, South Dakota. However he never lost touch with his rural values and country way of life that were instilled in him by his family.
With the advent of the Korean conflict Herbert voluntarily enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. On July 29, 1948 Herbert A. Littleton was sworn into service for his country. He completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. Then he completed his training at Camp Pendleton, California. Once this training was completed he was shipped off to Korea as part of the Third Replacement Draft to fight against enemy forces there. As with many other young men of his time he left behind his family and a girl with whom he planned to someday build a life with, have a family of his own, and live the American Dream.
Herbert A. Littleton fought in the Korean Conflict from December 17, 1950, until April 22, 1951. On April 22, 1951 PFC Littleton's battle ended as did his life. PFC Littleton, U.S Marine Corps Reserve, Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1St Marine Division (Reinforced) was killed by a North Korean grenade at Chungchon, Korea. While this in itself is a tragic event it is not what made PFC Littleton a great example that can be called upon to help lead us through hard times. Like most things it is not the event alone that brings out the best in us but how we choose to deal with those events (Our Lives).
The following Medal of Honor Citation explains how PFC Herbert A. Littleton chose to spend his life in defense of his fellow American and serve our country.
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.
In return for his selfless act PFC Herbert A. Littleton was recognized and honored by the President of the United States in the name of the Congress by being posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
Although he was born in Mena, Arkansas, until recently no Memorial or other recognition has been established in Arkansas in memory of this gallant Native Son. This situation will be rectified at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, 12 September, 2009 at the Polk County Court House, Mena, Arkansas. At this time and date a Memorial will be unveiled to Honor PFC Herbert A. Littleton. Music accompaniment will be provided by the Mena High School Band. At 2:00 p.m. there will also be a free memorial concert at the Mena High School Football field, provided by the Mena High School Band.
The memorial is the result of a grass roots movement spearheaded by the Herbert A. Littleton Detachment 1261 of the Marine Corps League, Mena Arkansas. With the support of the citizens of Mena and surrounding Polk County and others from outside the area funds have been raised to build this monument to our fallen comrade. Everyone is encouraged to attend this event.
By honoring the bravery and self sacrifice of PFC Littleton we honor not only him but others among us who have given much and asked little. We also honor ourselves.
As in the words of President Kennedy "Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country". It is with such a spirit of self sacrifice, hard work and human spirit that we as individuals and as a people can arise and overcome adversities. PFC Herbert A. Littleton' choices exemplify these values. His choice should serve to remind us that we are not in this world alone and that we need to look out for and help one another. Ultimately we are a result of the choices we make. Herbert A. Littleton and the choices he made serve as an example to lead and inspire us both as individuals and as a people. He was an extraordinary ordinary American.
Everyone is encouraged to attend.
