Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Second Lieutenant Charles G. Little (MCSN: 0-53704), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Leader of a Rifle Platoon of Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 24 – 25 June 1952. When the enemy attacked in battalion strength while his platoon was defending a combat outpost in advance of the main line of resistance, Second Lieutenant Little bravely exposed himself to intense hostile artillery, mortar and small-arms fire to call in accurate artillery fire on the attackers, and personally killed all the enemy attempting to infiltrate into a bunker housing his wounded men. Concerned only with the welfare of the casualties and the reorganization of his small force of Marines, he constantly moved from one position to another to encourage the men during a brief lull in the sharp hand-to-hand fighting. Throughout a second assault by the hostile force, he gallantly remained on guard to prevent the attackers from infiltrating into the bunker containing the stricken men, again killed all the enemy attempting to reach and casualties, and called in accurate artillery fire which was greatly instrumental in repelling the assault. Although wounded during the fierce hand-to-hand encounter, he refused to accept medical aid until all the casualties had been treated. By his outstanding courage, superb leadership and selfless efforts in behalf of his wounded men in the face of overwhelming odds, Second Lieutenant Little served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received