John Albert Pittman
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Korean War

John Albert Pittman was born on 15 October 1928, in Carrollton, MS. He was a Sergeant in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on 26 November 1950.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company C, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division

Place and date: Near Kujangdong, Korea, 26 November 1950

G.O. No.: 39, 4 June 1951

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 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.

On 10 May 1951, President Harry S. Truman presented three Korean War veterans with the Medal of Honor in the Oval Office: Sgt. John Pittman, Lt. Carl Dodd, and Master Sgt. Ernest Kouma.

Other Medals

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Sergeant Pittman was twice awarded the Purple Heart.

Death and Burial

John Albert Pittman died on 8 April 1995. He is buried in New Hope Church Cemetery in Greenwood, Leflore County, MS.