Citation

Command Sergeant Major Gary L. Littrell is inducted into the Hall of Fame for conspicuous gallantry in action as a Ranger leader. CSM Littrell was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on April 4-8, 1970, when serving as an Infantry advisor with the 23rd Battalion, 2nd Ranger Group near Dak Seang in Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam. After establishing a defensive perimeter on April 4, the battalion was subjected to an intense mortar attack which killed the Vietnamese commander, one advisor, and seriously wounded all the advisors except SFC Littrell. Sergeant First Class Littrell single handily bolstered the besieged battalion, directed artillery and air support by day and marked the units position by night, despite the heavy concentrated enemy fire. Assault after assault was repulsed as the battalion responded to the extraordinary leadership and personal example exhibited by SFC Littrell. He continuously moved to those points most seriously threatened by the enemy, redistributed ammunition, strengthened faltering defenses, cared for the wounded and shouted encouragement to the Vietnamese in their own language. When finally ordered to withdraw, numerous ambushes were encountered. SFC Littrell repeatedly prevented widespread disorder, by directing airstrikes within 50 meters of their own position. Ranger Littrell's extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed over an extended period of time clearly demonstrates that "Rangers Lead The Way!"