John A Pittman

On episode two hundred and sixty-eight, the story of John A Pittman is told. All stories in January and February will be recipients from World War 2. Be sure to visit our website for more information as the show goes on at: www.talesofhonorpodcast.com. Thanks for listening and be sure to share with friends and family!

In Carrollton, Mississippi, John was born on the 15th of 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. The citation reads:

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 standpoint. 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 aid man 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.

John received the Medal of Honor from President Truman in a ceremony at the White House on the 4th of 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. I tried to find a digital copy of the contents of this magazine but could not so I was very limited with the amount of information that I could find. There are copies of the magazine that can be purchased online for around $20 in very good condition, so if anyone happens to have this issue, please let me know and I will be happy to amend this episode. John Albert Pittman died on the 8th of April, 1995 at the age of 66 and he and his wife Margie Henderson are buried in the New Hope Church Cemetery in Gravel Hill, Mississippi.