The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to: Corporal Russell G. Little for heroic achievement in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Rifleman with Combined Action Platoon Q-4, Second Combined action Group, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

In the early morning hours of 30 January 1968, the platoon’s compound was attacked by an estimated eighty Viet Cong. After firing an antitank rocket round at the main bunker, the Viet Cong delivered intense automatic weapons fire into the compound and began moving an 82mm mortar into firing position. Awakened by the explosion from the first rocket, Corporal LITTLE left his covered position inside the ammunition bunker and ran to the command bunker and sentry tower. As he reached the top of the bunker and prepared to climb the tower, a second rocket impacted, wounding him and knocking him to the ground. Quickly regaining his feet, he returned to the top of the bunker and climbed up into the sentry tower, despite the heavy volume of fire directed at the position. Upon entering the tower, he observed that the Marine manning the position had been momentarily stunned and knocked to the floor by the rocket blast. After helping his comrade to his feet, he handed him and M-79 Grenade Launcher. Then, disregarding his painful injuries, he manned the tower machine gun and delivered effective fire at the hostile positions. Largely due to his bold initiative and timely actions, the enemy was prevented from firing their mortar and their automatic weapons fire was quickly suppressed.

Corporal Little’s courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were instrumental in repelling the enemy attack and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Corporal Little is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.

Corporal Russell Little was born in Cleveland, Ohio. His home of record upon entering the service was Aurora, Ohio. He resided in Delaware County until his passing last year.