Private First Class Herbert "Hal" Albert Littleton, A Marine's Story
Private First Class Herbert "Hal" Albert Littleton, A Marine's Story
Private First Class Herbert “Hal” Albert Littleton was born on July 1, 1930, in Mena, Arkansas. He later moved with his family to Black Hawk, South Dakota, where he attended Sturgis Brown High School. An active student, he played both basketball and football, developing the teamwork and resolve that would later define his service.
In July 1948, shortly after graduating from high school, Littleton enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and trained as a telephone lineman. While serving in the reserves, he worked as an appliance repairman in Rapid City, South Dakota, before relocating to Nampa, Idaho, where he was employed as a lineman for Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph.
With the outbreak of the Korean War, Private First Class Littleton was called to active duty in September 1950. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines, and deployed to central Korea in support of combat operations.
On April 22, 1951, while manning an observation post on Hill 44, Private First Class Littleton and his team came under enemy attack. During the engagement, an enemy grenade was thrown into the position. After securing the radio to ensure continued communication, Littleton deliberately threw himself onto the grenade, absorbing the blast with his own body and saving the lives of his fellow Marines.
For this act of extraordinary heroism and self-sacrifice, Private First Class Herbert A. Littleton was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
He is laid to rest at Kohlerlawn Cemetery in Napa, Idaho.
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