The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Jack Pittman, Jr. (MCSN: 0-27123), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), and subsequently in Marine Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED FOURTEEN (VMF-114), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands and Caroline Islands Areas, from 5 to 12 August 1943, and on 10 May 1945. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, First Lieutenant Pittman participated in strikes, escort missions and fighter sweeps against enemy shipping, airfields and supply dumps. By his airmanship and devotion to duty in the face of intense enemy anti-aircraft fire, he contributed materially to the success of his squadron in inflicting damage on the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Jack Pittman, Jr. (MCSN: 0-27123), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area, on 18 and 30 October 1943. Flying as wingman in a fighter sweep over Kahili on 18 October, Second Lieutenant Pittman unhesitatingly launched a daring attack on a group of Japanese Zeros and, fighting his plane with outstanding skill and fierce determination, succeeded in blasting three hostile planes from the sky and probably destroying two others. Participating in a five-plane raid against enemy shipping in Kieta Harbor, he braved intense anti-aircraft fire to strafe the larger vessels of the enemy concentration and, in addition, set fire to a hostile barge and shore installations, thereby contributing materially to the infliction of extensive damage on Japanese forces in this important area. Second Lieutenant Pittman’s superb airmanship and heroic conduct throughout numerous combat missions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Technical Sergeant Jack Pittman, Jr. (MCSN: 0-27123), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Fighting Squadron THREE HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-312), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 26 October 1951. Participating in a close air support mission in the vicinity of Oryang-ni, Technical Sergeant Pittman carried out repeated strafing attacks against enemy troops entrenched in strategic positions overlooking advancing friendly forces and inflicted extensive damage on the hostile trenches, bunkers and personnel. Spotting an enemy tank and a group of trucks, he immediately attacked the targets in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire and continued to press daring low-level bombing and strafing runs on the objective until the hostile vehicles were completely destroyed. By his marked courage, skilled airmanship and unswerving devotion to duty, Technical Sergeant Pittman was greatly instrumental in dealing a damaging blow to the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.