John Albert Pittman

Absorbing a grenade blast to protect his squad in Korea

John Albert Pittman was an Army sergeant with Company C, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. Near Kujang-dong, Korea, on November 26, 1950, he volunteered to lead a counterattack to recapture commanding ground. Wounded by mortar fragments, he continued directing his squad.

When a grenade landed among his men, Pittman covered it with his body. He survived the explosion, saving several comrades from death or serious injury. Born in Carrollton, Mississippi, on October 15, 1928, he received the Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman in May 1951. He died in Greenwood in April 1995 and was buried at New Hope Church Cemetery.

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.