Extract
from General Order GO-17, dated 15 Feb 1945
JOHN T. LITTLE, 0-887923, First Lieutenant, 508th
Parachute Infantry. For heroic conduct in action on 7 January 1945 near ***
BELGIUM. First Lieutenant LITTLE, Battalion S-2, Third Battalion, was
directly responsible for placing supporting tanks and tank destroyers into
position during an attack upon ***, BELGIUM. The battalion met with heavy
resistance from enemy high-velocity guns in attaining their objectives. Two
tank destroyers and one tank were lost in attempting to make an approach to
cover the attack. First Lieutenant LITTLE then made a personal
reconnaissance for a covered avenue of approach. Having selected a route,
First Lieutenant LITTLE then lead [sic] the vehicles on foot. During this
time, First Lieutenant LITTLE was constantly exposed to direct artillery
fire for over two hundred yards. As he advanced, he located and removed five
mines from the trail. His personal bravery and coolness under fire was
responsible for the successful placing of all the tanks and contributed
immeasurably to the success of the operation, reflecting credit upon himself
and upon the Airborne Forces of the United States Army. Entered military
service from NEW CUMBERLAND STATION, RHODE ISLAND.. |