Sergeant John Albert Pittman, a soldier in the U.S. Army, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on November 26, 1950 near Kujang-dong, Korea during the Korean War. At the time he was serving with 1st Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Pittman was 22 years old.
One other service member also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on May 19, 1951. Blair House, presented by Pres. Harry S. Truman.
Pittman was born on October 15, 1928 in Carrollton, Carroll County, Mississippi. Pittman died on April 8, 1995 in Greenwood, Mississippi, at the age of 66. He is buried at New Hope Church Cemetery in Greenwood, Mississippi.
Pittman is one of 153 Medal of Honor recipients from the Korean War and one of 18 credited to Mississippi.
Official Medal of Honor 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.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Wounds and injuries
What the citation records about his wounds:
Moving aggressively forward in the face of intense artillery, mortar, and small-arms fire, he was wounded by mortar fragments.
- Age at death: 66
- Resting place: New Hope Church Cemetery
Other decorations and honors
Besides the Medal of Honor, John Albert Pittman received:
Source: Wikidata. Gold chips link to our guide to that decoration.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: Korean War.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Mississippi →
Timeline
- October 15, 1928Born in Carrollton, Carroll County, Mississippi
- November 26, 1950Act of valor — near Kujang-dong, KoreaAge 22. 1st Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division
- May 19, 1951Medal of Honor presentedBlair House, presented by Pres. Harry S. Truman
- April 8, 1995Died in Greenwood, MississippiAge 66.
- Resting placeNew Hope Church CemeteryGreenwood, Mississippi
Biography
John Albert Pittman (October 15, 1928 – April 8, 1995) was a soldier in the United States Army during the Korean War. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions on November 26, 1950, during the Battle of the Ch'ongch'on River. He is buried in New Hope Cemetery, Carroll County, Mississippi.
From the Wikipedia article “John A. Pittman”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
