An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : News
JBSA News
NEWS | Sept. 14, 2016

Local Navy recruiters honor World War II Veteran on 100th birthday

Navy Recruiting District San Antonio

Petty Officer 2nd Class Keyth Curnutt of Navy Recruiting District San Antonio honored World War II Navy veteran Tom Littleton by attending his 100th birthday celebration in Devine, Texas, Aug. 27.  


Littleton served four years in the Navy as a machinist’s mate. His ship was on her way to Honolulu when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and he was forced to man a 40-millimeter gun and take aim at the enemy planes above.

 

In his 100 years, he has survived the war, prostate cancer and open heart surgery and has become a beloved member of his community.

 

Curnutt’s wife, Sarah, grew up down the street from Littleton in the small town of Devine, where he is known and respected, especially within his church community. 


Sarah has fond memories of Littleton who, “was always at church every Sunday in a suit and tie,” she said. 


When Curnutt was contacted by the church and asked if he could do something special for Littleton, he was flattered.  


“It felt amazing that they thought of me,” he said. “There are other Navy members in the church they could have asked.”

 

Senior Chief Petty Officer Daniel Christmas was also on hand to help Curnutt present Littleton with an American Flag and a paddle commemorating his birthday and years of service. 


Littleton said he was very appreciative to have these Sailors join in his big celebration and shared with them that he always wondered what it would have been like if he had stayed in the Navy.                                                  


“I had a new wife at home I wanted to get back to,” he said. “It was an honor to present him with a flag in front of so many veterans, friends and family,” Curnutt said. “There were veterans there from every war fought since World War II and representing every branch of service. To pay respect to a man who did so much and paved the way for Sailors like me was the most humbling thing I have done in my Navy career so far.”