James T. Little

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to James T. Little (490515), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Rifleman and Platoon Leader of Company H, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 17 to 26 March 1945. Assuming the duties of a platoon leader when the leaders of two platoons had become casualties during a fierce grenade and small-arms battle with the enemy, Private First Class Little risked his life to move across the front of two platoons in the face of exploding grenades and small-arms fire to organize the remaining men into one unit. Placing his troops in effective positions, he boldly continued the attack and repeatedly checking his lines and courageously leading his unit, remained in command until the end of the action. His aggressive leadership, fighting spirit and devotion to duty in the face of hostile fire reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Little and the United States Naval Service.

Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 44956 (November 4, 1948)