The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class John Wayne Littleton, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 92d Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Littleton distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 May 1971, while serving as Crew Chief aboard a lift helicopter on an emergency re-supply mission to Fire Support Base FIVE, northwest of Pleiku. The Allied troops defending the small basecamp were running low on critically needed supplies. Specialist Fourth Class Littleton was notified by his aircraft commander of the urgent re-supply mission and immediately volunteered to fly with the needed supplies to the besieged camp. After receiving a thorough briefing on the plan of attack, Specialist Littleton loaded his aircraft and manned his door gun in preparation for the flight into the insecure landing zone. Almost immediately the aircraft came under mortar and heavy automatic machine gun fire from all quadrants. Specialist Littleton opened fire on the enemy positions and directed an unceasing hail of bullets on the enemy gunners. When the urgently needed supplies were off-loaded, Specialist Littleton continued to fire his weapon into the known enemy positions. His aircraft was able to take off primarily due to the outstanding protection given by Specialist Littleton. In the early afternoon, they were again notified that critically needed medical supplies and ammunition were needed at Fire Support Base FIVE. Specialist Fourth Class Littleton, knowing the impossible odds, volunteered for the mission, On final approach, the aircraft again came under heavy mortar and automatic weapons fire. Specialist Littleton opened fire upon the enemy positions with his weapon to cover the aircraft on its critical approach. Despite the volume of fire Specialist Littleton placed on the enemy positions, his aircraft began receiving heavy automatic weapons fire. The aircraft received direct hits from rocket propelled grenades and exploded. The aircraft rolled to the right and struck the ground. His gallant actions and undaunted courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.