Historical Marker

Sgt. Walter K. Singleton

Memphis, Shelby County · Tennessee

Singleton was a supply sergeant. Assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, in November 1966, he was in a relatively safe spot in the rear on March 24, 1967, when the lead platoon came under heavy fire at the village of Phu An in Gio Linh District. He made repeated trips through the kill zone to carry out wounded men, then seized a machine gun and assaulted the hedgerow. He was 22. Secretary of the Navy Paul Ignatius gave his parents the Medal of Honor in September 1968.

What the plaque says

Sgt. Walter K. Singleton (1944-1967) Born in Memphis and graduated from Bartlett High School, Singleton was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by Congress for heroism during combat in Vietnam. Serving in the 3rd Marine Division, on March 24, 1967, he charged through heavy enemy fire to rescue several injured Marines. He then forced his way through a hedgerow and drove the enemy from their position. His supreme sacrifice resulted in the saving of many lives and demonstrated his devotion to duty, his fellow man, and his country.

Where it stands

35.23349, -89.82070 · Directions

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