Walter K. Singleton
Encyclopedia
Walter Keith Singleton was a United States Marine Sergeant who posthumously received the Medal of Honor
for his heroism in March 1967 during the Vietnam War
. The award was presented by President Lyndon B. Johnson
.
On August 1, 1963, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve at Memphis and integrated into the Regular Marine Corps
the following September.
Ordered to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island
, South Carolina, he completed recruit training
with the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion in February 1964. Upon completion of recruit training, he was promoted to private first class
.
Transferred to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
, North Carolina, he was assigned duty as ammo-carrier with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division
until November 1965. While stationed at Camp Lejeune, he was promoted to Lance Corporal on October 1, 1964 and to Corporal on August 1, 1965.
Corporal Singleton returned to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island and served as an instructor with the Weapons Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, with the additional duty of training marksmanship to Midshipmen
at the U.S. Naval Academy
, Annapolis, Maryland. While performing this additional duty, he received a letter of appreciation for qualifying 100 percent of the Officers-to-be.
Prior to departure from the United States, Cpl Singleton was promoted to Sergeant on September 1, 1966. On November 13, 1966, he joined Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines (1/9), 3rd Marine Division
in the Republic of Vietnam
and served as supply sergeant with that unit. On March 24, 1967, 1/9 began Operation Prairie III; that same day, southeast of Con Thien
, Sergeant Singleton's company came under intense enemy fire, and he was mortally wounded after he had advanced from his relatively safe position in the rear to move the numerous wounded away from the enemy zone. Before he was cut down by hostile fire, he also managed to make an assault on the enemy position, killing eight and driving the remainder away. It was for these acts of bravery, which had saved many of his comrades' lives, that he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
He is buried at Memory Hill Gardens in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee.
, which runs from Memphis to Millington, Tennessee; Singleton Hall, a barracks on the Marine Corps Base at Quantico, Virginia; and Singleton Community Center located in Bartlett, Tennessee, are all named in his honor.
, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnamese Service Medal with one bronze star, the Vietnamese Military Merit Medal, the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
in the name of The Congress
takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to
SERGEANT WALTER K. SINGLETON
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
for service as set forth in the following CITATION:
/S/ LYNDON B. JOHNSON
("The Wall") on panel 17E, line 039.
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
for his heroism in March 1967 during the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
. The award was presented by President Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon Baines Johnson , often referred to as LBJ, was the 36th President of the United States after his service as the 37th Vice President of the United States...
.
Biography
Walter Keith Singleton was born on December 7, 1944 in Memphis, Tennessee, and graduated from Bartlett High School there in June 1963.On August 1, 1963, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve at Memphis and integrated into the Regular Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
the following September.
Ordered to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island is an military installation located within Port Royal, South Carolina, approximately south of Beaufort, the community that is typically associated with the installation. MCRD Parris Island is used for the training of enlisted Marines...
, South Carolina, he completed recruit training
United States Marine Corps Boot Camp
United States Marine Corps Recruit Training, commonly known as "boot camp", is a program of initial training that each recruit must successfully complete in order to join the United States Marine Corps...
with the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion in February 1964. Upon completion of recruit training, he was promoted to private first class
Private First Class
Private First Class is a military rank held by junior enlisted persons.- Singapore :The rank of Private First Class in the Singapore Armed Forces lies between the ranks of Private and Lance-Corporal . It is usually held by conscript soldiers midway through their national service term...
.
Transferred to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is a United States military training facility in North Carolina. The base's of beaches make it a major area for amphibious assault training, and its location between two deep-water ports allows for fast deployments.The main base is supplemented by five satellite...
, North Carolina, he was assigned duty as ammo-carrier with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division
U.S. 2nd Marine Division
The U.S. 2nd Marine Division is a division of the United States Marine Corps, which forms the ground combat element of the II Marine Expeditionary Force. The division is based at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and headquartered at Julian C...
until November 1965. While stationed at Camp Lejeune, he was promoted to Lance Corporal on October 1, 1964 and to Corporal on August 1, 1965.
Corporal Singleton returned to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island and served as an instructor with the Weapons Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, with the additional duty of training marksmanship to Midshipmen
Midshipman
A midshipman is an officer cadet, or a commissioned officer of the lowest rank, in the Royal Navy, United States Navy, and many Commonwealth navies. Commonwealth countries which use the rank include Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Kenya...
at the U.S. Naval Academy
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
, Annapolis, Maryland. While performing this additional duty, he received a letter of appreciation for qualifying 100 percent of the Officers-to-be.
Prior to departure from the United States, Cpl Singleton was promoted to Sergeant on September 1, 1966. On November 13, 1966, he joined Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines (1/9), 3rd Marine Division
U.S. 3rd Marine Division
The 3rd Marine Division is an infantry division in the United States Marine Corps based at Camp Courtney, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan. It is one of three active duty divisions in the Marine Corps, and together with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and the 3rd Marine...
in the Republic of Vietnam
South Vietnam
South Vietnam was a state which governed southern Vietnam until 1975. It received international recognition in 1950 as the "State of Vietnam" and later as the "Republic of Vietnam" . Its capital was Saigon...
and served as supply sergeant with that unit. On March 24, 1967, 1/9 began Operation Prairie III; that same day, southeast of Con Thien
Con Thien
Con Thien , was a United States Marine Corps combat base located near the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone about 3 km from North Vietnam...
, Sergeant Singleton's company came under intense enemy fire, and he was mortally wounded after he had advanced from his relatively safe position in the rear to move the numerous wounded away from the enemy zone. Before he was cut down by hostile fire, he also managed to make an assault on the enemy position, killing eight and driving the remainder away. It was for these acts of bravery, which had saved many of his comrades' lives, that he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
He is buried at Memory Hill Gardens in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee.
Honors
A parkwayTennessee State Route 204
-Route description:The route starts at the Intersection of Stratford Road and Macon Road in Memphis, about a mile south of Interstate 40 . The road , passes over the Wolf River after its interchange with I-40. Between here and Raleigh–Lagrange Road are numerous car dealerships; Covington Pike is...
, which runs from Memphis to Millington, Tennessee; Singleton Hall, a barracks on the Marine Corps Base at Quantico, Virginia; and Singleton Community Center located in Bartlett, Tennessee, are all named in his honor.
Awards and decorations
A complete list of his medals and decorations includes: the Medal of Honor, the Purple HeartPurple Heart
The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York...
, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnamese Service Medal with one bronze star, the Vietnamese Military Merit Medal, the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
| Medal of Honor Medal of Honor The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her... |
Purple Heart Purple Heart The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York... |
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal | National Defense Service Medal National Defense Service Medal The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower... |
| Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal The Vietnam Service Medal is a military award which was created in 1965 by order of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The distinctive design was the creation of sculptor Thomas Hudson Jones, a former employee of the Army Institute of Heraldry. The medal is issued to recognize military service during... with one bronze star |
Vietnam Military Merit Medal Vietnam Military Merit Medal The Vietnam Military Merit Medal was the highest military decoration of South Vietnam during the years of the Vietnam War. Created August 15, 1950, the Military Merit Medal was modelled after the French Médaille militaire, and was the Vietnamese equivalent to the United States Medal of Honor and... |
Vietnam Gallantry Cross Vietnam Gallantry Cross The Vietnam Gallantry Cross was a military decoration of South Vietnam which wasestablished in August 1950. Also known as the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, the Gallantry Cross was awarded to any military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting an... with Palm |
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal The Vietnam Campaign Medal is a military recognition awarded by the Republic of Vietnam, , to any member of the United States, Australian, New Zealand and allied military forces serving six months or more in support of Republic of Vietnam military operations.Established in 1966, the decoration is... |
Medal of Honor citation
The President of the United StatesPresident of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
in the name of The Congress
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to
SERGEANT WALTER K. SINGLETON
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
for service as set forth in the following CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. SGT Singleton's company was conducting combat operations when the lead platoon received intense small armsSmall armsSmall arms is a term of art used by armed forces to denote infantry weapons an individual soldier may carry. The description is usually limited to revolvers, pistols, submachine guns, carbines, assault rifles, battle rifles, multiple barrel firearms, sniper rifles, squad automatic weapons, light...
, automatic weapons, rocketRocketA rocket is a missile, spacecraft, aircraft or other vehicle which obtains thrust from a rocket engine. In all rockets, the exhaust is formed entirely from propellants carried within the rocket before use. Rocket engines work by action and reaction...
, and mortarMortar (weapon)A mortar is an indirect fire weapon that fires explosive projectiles known as bombs at low velocities, short ranges, and high-arcing ballistic trajectories. It is typically muzzle-loading and has a barrel length less than 15 times its caliber....
fire from a well entrenched enemy force. As the company fought its way forward, the extremely heavy enemy fire caused numerous friendly casualties. Sensing the need for early treatment of the wounded, SGT Singleton quickly moved from his relatively safe position in the rear of the foremost point of the advance and made numerous trips through the enemy killing zone to move the injured men out of the danger area. Noting that a large part of the enemy fire was coming from a hedgerow, he seized a machine gunMachine gunA machine gun is a fully automatic mounted or portable firearm, usually designed to fire rounds in quick succession from an ammunition belt or large-capacity magazine, typically at a rate of several hundred rounds per minute....
and assaulted the key enemy location, delivering devastating fire as he advanced. He forced his way through the hedgerow directly into the enemy strong point. Although he was mortally wounded, his fearless attack killed 8 of the enemy and drove the remainder from the hedgerow. SGT Singleton's bold actions completely disorganized the enemy defense and saved the lives of many of his comrades. His daring initiative selfless devotion to duty and indomitable fighting spirit reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps, and his performance upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval ServiceUnited States Department of the NavyThe Department of the Navy of the United States of America was established by an Act of Congress on 30 April 1798, to provide a government organizational structure to the United States Navy and, from 1834 onwards, for the United States Marine Corps, and when directed by the President, of the...
.
/S/ LYNDON B. JOHNSON
Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon Baines Johnson , often referred to as LBJ, was the 36th President of the United States after his service as the 37th Vice President of the United States...
In memory
The name Walter Keith Singleton is inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans MemorialVietnam Veterans Memorial
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a national memorial in Washington, D.C. It honors U.S. service members of the U.S. armed forces who fought in the Vietnam War, service members who died in service in Vietnam/South East Asia, and those service members who were unaccounted for during the War.Its...
("The Wall") on panel 17E, line 039.
See also
- List of Medal of Honor recipients
- List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Vietnam War