The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Colonel (Infantry) Augustine Patterson Little, Jr., United States Army, for heroism at Youkslesbains, Algeria, 5 January 1943. During an enemy dive-bombing attack on this airfield, a dump of 100 octane gasoline received a direct hit and burst into roaring flames, illuminating the entire field and making it a target for further attacks. Realizing the danger thus involved, as well as the value of the gasoline, Colonel Little and a junior officer immediately mounted an army bulldozer, and after repeated thrusts, managed to throw enough earth on the blaze to extinguish it. Colonel Little faced terrific heat and possible explosions while battling the fire, and was forced to back away several times when the tracks of the bulldozer caught fire from pools of blazing gasoline. His initiative and resolute courage reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Batallion:
814th Aviation Engineer BattalionRegiment:
922d Engineer Regiment, AviationDivision:
9th Engineer Command, EnglandAction Date:
December 1942 – April 1943
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Augustine Patterson Little, Jr., United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service during the period December 1942 to April 1943. Colonel Little, as Commanding Officer of the 814th Aviation Engineer Battalion was given the task of constructing fighter airdromes in the forward areas around **** and ****. Working under the handicaps of limited manpower, equipment, and materials, and with frequent interference by enemy action, Colonel Little met every time schedule despite the drastic limitations as to time, and always had his new fields ready for operation by the date set. His foresight, personal drive and leadership have contributed immeasurably to the completion of many projects which in turn played important parts in the air combat in this Theater.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Regiment:
922d Engineer Regiment, AviationDivision:
9th Engineer Command, EnglandAction Date:
August 27, 1944
Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 8 (1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Army Air Forces Award) (Posthumously) to Colonel (Infantry) Augustine Patterson Little, Jr. (ASN: 0-20576), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the European Theater of Operations, Colonel Little distinguished himself by outstanding heroism while leading a reconnaissance party under heavy enemy fire on 27 August 1944. When it became necessary to ascertain the condition of the runways at a newly occupied airfield Colonel Little gallantly elected personally to conduct a reconnaissance although the area was still under enemy fire. While proceeding down the runway the party was subjected to enemy machine-gun fire which wounded an enlisted man. Although every movement attracted additional fire Colonel Little bravely administered first aid to the wounded soldier and attempted to drag him to a nearby hangar although in the course of so doing he himself was mortally wounded. The self-sacrificing courage exhibited by Colonel Little is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.