SFC Gary L. Littrell
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:
Sergeant First Class Gary L. Littrell, United States Army, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, Advisory Team 21, distinguished himself during the period April 4 to 8, 1970 while serving as a Light Weapons Infantry Advisor with the 23rd Battalion, 2nd Ranger Group, Republic of Vietnam Army, near Dak Seang in Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam.
After establishing a defensive perimeter on a hill on April 4, the battalion was subjected to an intense enemy mortar attack which killed the Vietnamese commander, one advisor, and seriously wounded all the advisors except Sergeant Littrell. During the ensuing four days, Sergeant Littrell exhibited near superhuman endurance and conspicuous gallantry as he singlehandedly bolstered the besieged battalion. Repeatedly abandoning positions of relative safety, he directed artillery and air support by day and marked the unit's location by night, despite the heavy, concentrated enemy fire.
His dauntless will instilled in the men of the 23rd Battalion a deep desire to resist. Assault after assault was repulsed as the battalion responded to the extraordinary leadership and personal example exhibited by Sergeant Littrell as he continuously moved to those points most seriously threatened by the enemy, redistributed ammunition, strengthened faltering defenses, cared for the wounded and shouted encouragement to the Vietnamese in their own language.
When the beleaguered battalion was finally ordered to withdraw, numerous ambushes were encountered. Sergeant Littrell repeatedly prevented widespread disorder by directing air strikes to within 50 meters of their position. Through his indomitable courage and complete disregard for his safety, he averted excessive loss of life and injury to the members of the battalion.
The sustained extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by Sergeant Littrell over an extended period of time were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him and the United States Army.
