PRIVATE FIRST CLASS
WHITT LLOYD MORELAND, USMCR (DECEASED) 
 

 Medal of Honor Citation 

Private First Class Whitt L. Moreland, 21, of Austin, Texas, earned the Medal of Honor in Korea for sacrificing his life to save his comrades. The nation’s highest decoration for valor was awarded the youthful Marine posthumously for extraordinary heroism on 29 May 1951, at Kwagch’i-Dong, when he smothered a hand grenade with his body to save the lives of his fellow Marines. He was the 17th Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Korean conflict. The Medal of Honor was presented to his parents.

Born in Waco, Texas, 7 March 1930, Whitt Lloyd Moreland attended public school in Austin, and graduated from Junction High School in 1948, where he played football for two years. In September 1948, he enlisted in the Marine Corps for one year, serving in San Diego and Camp Pendleton, California. Upon discharge he enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve for six years. On 30 November 1950, he was called to active duty, and received advanced training at Camp Pendleton, California.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, PFC Moreland was awarded the Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal with one bronze star, and the United Nations Service Medal. 

Korean War 1950-1953 Medal of Honor Recipient