Littell receives multiple WWII combat awards

FALLBROOK – On March 5, Fallbrook resident Joseph F. Littell was presented with multiple awards relating to his military service and prisoner of war status during World War II by Maj. General (Ret.) Ronald Markarian at the Fallbrook Library.

Under the direction of the Dept. of the U.S. Army, Littell received the Bronze Star and Certificate of Meritorious Service for Dec. 14, 1944 in military operations against an armed enemy of the United States; a Distinguished Service Award with orange Medallion for being a soldier who endured incomprehensible hardships as a prisoner of war of the Germans during World War II; a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for his sacrifice and the ordeal endured at the Berga Concentration Camp; the Flag of the United States which had been flown over the Pentagon in honor of his service and sacrifice; the U.S. Army Freedom Team Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding service to the nation as a U.S. soldier; Certificate for Veterans’ Award with red, white, and blue medallion with a U.S. Flag that had been flown over the Capitol building in Washington D.C.; a Challenge Coin from the Secretary of the Dept. of the Army; and a Warrior Ethos coin by Gen. George W. Casey, Jr., Chief of Staff.

In summary, Littell’s military service included being in the center of a German assault of 300,000 troops known as the Battle of the Bulge; helping destroy an infantry unit from Hitler’s ‘Bodyguard Brigade’ and being taken as a prisoner of war and put in the infamous Berga slave labor camp. Littell escaped from the prison only to be recaptured by the Gestapo; threatened by death and put into solitary confinement; and ultimately liberated by General Patton’s 6th Armored Division.