[4] Several of his classmates would, like Littell himself, rise to the rank of brigadier general or higher in their military careers, such as William C. Langfitt, Stephen M. Foote, John W. Ruckman, Ira A. Haynes, Chase W. Kennedy, Charles G. Morton, George H. Cameron, Tyree R. Rivers, John W. Heard, Harry C. Hale, Robert D. Walsh, George W. Read, Samson L. Faison, Frederick Perkins, Omar Bundy, Lawrence D. Tyson, Clarence R. Edwards Following graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant and was assigned to the 10th Infantry, where he saw duty in Colorado, Indian Territory, New Mexico and Oklahoma Territory.

Promoted to major during this time, he was assigned as Chief Quartermaster for various units until transferred back to New York in April 1902.

Promoted to lieutenant colonel on 18 March 1908 and assigned duties as the deputy quartermaster general, he was responsible for "matter pertaining to clothing, repairs to barracks, quarters, roads, walks and wharves, and matters pertaining to rail and water transportation and army transport service.

"[8] In December, he was moved to Governors Island, in New York Harbor, to serve as chief quartermaster of the Eastern Division until promoted to colonel in March 1911.

[2] For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I.

His completion of this task is a conspicuous example of the exercise of qualities of mind and character making up the highest type of officer.