• Cold War
  • Korean War
  • Vietnam War
  • Threat of Nuclear War
• Civil Rights Movement
• Everyday Life

	FIRST TENNESSEANS
	INDIANS & CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS
	FRONTIER
	AGE OF JACKSON
	CIVIL WAR & RECONSTRUCTION
	CONFRONTING THE MODERN ERA
	THE GREAT DEPRESSION & WWII
	CIVIL RIGHTS/COLD WAR
	INFORMATION REVOLUTION

Walter Singleton

Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division. Place and Date: Gio Linh District, Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, 24 March 1967. Entered service at: Memphis, Tenn. Born: 7 December 1944, Memphis, Tenn.

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 arms, automatic weapons, rocket, and mortar 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 gun 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. Although he lost his life, 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 Service.

Picture Credits:

• Photograph of Walter K. Singleton, Medal of Honor recipient from Memphis, Tennessee. United States Government