J. Patrick Little

Pat Little enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 1968 and was assigned to the 1st Air Cavalry Division.

On the night of August 11, 1969, three days after arriving at LZ Becky, Little’s unit came under heavy mortar and rocket attack. During the course of the fighting, at approximately 3:00 a.m., while Little was serving as the Fire Direction Control for a three-gun, 155 mm howitzer unit in A Battery, his position was hit by a barrage of mortars and RPGs that destroyed all three guns and Control station. SPC Little was among the 19 wounded-in-action and the nine killed-in-action, receiving shrapnel wounds to neck, hands and flak jacket. It was later estimated that the LZ received more than 400 mortar and RPG rounds during the attack.

Along with his Purple Heart, SPC Little was awarded numerous medals and commendations, including the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device, the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze service stars, Army Commendation Medal with “V” device, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation and more.

Pat Little was Pennsylvania’s honoree during the 2021 Purple Heart Patriot Project Mission.