William Francis Little

West Point, 1968

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Gordon Tillery on August 26, 2021:

1st Lieutenant William F. Little, III gave his life for his men and his country on Veteran's Day, 11 November 1969, 12 days before his 23rd Birthday. In his short life he led men courageously in fierce combat, and distinguished himself as a true hero. Writing about Bill Little, for the book "Grip Hands" (about 20 graduates of the West Point Class of 1968 who fell in the Vietnam War), I had the privilege to speak with soldiers who served under Bill when he was the Leader of Recon Platoon of the US Army's 2nd Battalion of the 3rd Infantry Regiment in Vietnam. I also communicated with other officers who served with Bill in Vietnam, including the Battalion Commander of the 2/3. They each shared similar stories of Bill's fierce determination, courage, and sacrifice. As has been written in other accounts of his combat assignment, Bill was easy going and laid back, got along well with his fellow officers and was well liked and respected by his soldiers. One soldier of Recon Platoon wrote: "Soldiering requires that soldiers put their lives on the line when called upon to do so. Some soldiers hear that call more clearly and commandingly than others. Lt Little was an officer of this kind to a very high degree." Leading his Platoon under heavy fire from enemy positions, Bill gave his life to save the life of another soldier in his platoon. There is no more noble cause or greater sacrifice.

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