b. 15/10/1928 Carrollton, Mississippi. d. 08/04/1995 Greenwood, Mississippi.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 26/11/1950 near Kujang-Dong, Korea.
John A Pittman MOH
In Carrollton, Mississippi, John was born on the 15th October, 1928. He was working for his father doing farm work when he registered for the World War 2 draft. He later enlisted in the US Army in 1947 and deployed to Korea with Company C, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. It was his actions here that would earn him the Medal of Honor.
John received the Medal of Honor from President Truman in a ceremony at the White House on the 4th June, 1951 and he was discharged from the Army soon after. The following month, Life Magazine released their Independence Day issue on the 2nd of July with John on the cover.
MOH CITATION:
Sgt. Pittman distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. He volunteered to lead his squad in a counterattack to regain commanding terrain lost in an earlier engagement. Moving aggressively forward in the face of intense artillery, mortar, and small-arms fire, he was wounded by mortar fragments. Disregarding his wounds, he continued to lead and direct his men in a bold advance against the hostile strongpoint. During this daring action, an enemy grenade was thrown in the midst of his squad, endangering the lives of his comrades. Without hesitation, Sgt. Pittman threw himself on the grenade and absorbed its burst with his body. When a medical aidman reached him, his first request was to be informed as to how many of his men were hurt. This intrepid and selfless act saved several of his men from death or serious injury and was an inspiration to the entire command. Sgt. Pittman’s extraordinary heroism reflects the highest credit upon himself and is in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the military service.
BURIAL LOCATION: NEW HOPE CHURCH CEMETERY, GREENWOOD, MISSISSIPPI.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.
