Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    23d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 26, 1950

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 39 (June 4, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Sergeant John Albert Pittman (ASN: 14267588), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Kujang-dong, Korea, on 26 November 1950. Sergeant Pittman 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, Sergeant 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. Sergeant Pittman’s extraordinary heroism reflects the highest credit upon himself and is in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the military service.