Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
William
Robinson
Pittman
September 17, 1917

–

February 6, 1998

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighter Squadron 53 (VF-53)

    Action Date:

    July 3 – September 15, 1950
    All Hands (February 1953)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Commander William Robinson Pittman, United States Naval Reserve, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer of Fighter Squadron FIFTY-THREE (VF-53), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 3 July to 15 September 1950.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Scouting Squadron 6 (VS-6)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)

    Action Date:

    June 4, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign William Robinson Pittman, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane of Scouting Squadron SIX (VS-6), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during the “Air Battle of Midway,” against enemy Japanese forces on 4 – 6 June 1942. Participating in a devastating assault against a Japanese invasion fleet, Ensign Pittman, with fortitude and resolute devotion to duty, pressed home his attacks in the face of a formidable barrage of anti-aircraft fire and fierce fighter opposition. His gallant perseverance and utter disregard for his own personal safety were important contributing factors to the success achieved by our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.