The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
*SINGLETON, WALTER K.
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 machinegun 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 Service.
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