William F. Little III was born on November 23, 1946. He graduated from The Pingry School in 1964 and was a 1968 graduate of West Point. His interests included football, lacrosse and water skiing. He was on his High School Swimming Team.
William entered the US Army on June 5, 1968. He was in the 199th Infantry Brigade where he attained the rank of First Lieutenant (1LT).
Little was killed in action on November 11, 1969, near Xuan Loc, Vietnam.
In a letter to Little’s parents, dated November 27, 1969, his Commanding officer wrote:
The circumstances surrounding the death of your son speak for themselves. He gave his life in order to save the life of another. There is no more noble cause or greater sacrifice. While under heavy fire from enemy positions, Bill observed an enemy soldier about to shoot one of his men. In a manner above and beyond the call of duty, Bill pushed the soldier out of the way. He moved from his own position to engage the enemy soldier. The enemy soldier had his weapon positioned and was first to fire. Bill died instantly.
The men of his platoon, the Battalion reconnaissance platoon, had great respect for him as a leader and a man. Several wept openly after his death, and all of them asked me to pass condolences on to you.
Little was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary bravery, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Parachutist’s Badge, the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon.
Information provided by Joyce Little (mother) and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
