Richard A. Pittman

Era | Vietnam War |
---|---|
Branch | U.S. Marine Corps |
Rank | Master Sergeant |
Military Decorations | Medal of Honor |
Wall | G |
Wall Side | 3 |
Row | 2 |
Plaque Number | 25 |
Other MEDALS-RIBBONS: Meritorious Service, Combat Action, Presidential Unit Citation (2), Meritorious Unit Citation, Good Conduct (7), National Defense, Armed Forces Expeditionary, Vietnam Service w/3 Stars, Overseas Service, Vietnam Meritorious Unit Gallantry Cross, Vietnam Meritorious Unit, Republic of Vietnam Campaign
July 24, 1966, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Serving as an infantryman, St. Pittman's daring initiative, bold fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty inflicted casualties, disrupted the enemy attack and saved the lives of many of his wounded comrades. His personal valor at grave risk to himself reflects the highest credit upon himself, the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Services.
Lance Corporal Pittman's I Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, was conducting an operation along a narrow jungle trail near the DMZ when the leading company elements suffered numerous casualties. Hearing the engaged Marines' calls for more firepower, Pittman exchanged his rifle for a machine gun and several belts of ammunition, and rushed forward to aid his comrades. Taken under intense small-arms fire at point blank range, he returned the fire silencing the enemy position. Then continuing his advance, he again came under heavy fire from two automatic weapons, which he destroyed. Learning that there were additional wounded Marines 50 yards further along the trail, he braved a withering hail of enemy mortar and small-arms fire to reach the fallen Marines, to be confronted with a frontal attack by 30 to 40 NVA. He established a position in the middle of the trail and raked the advancing enemy with machinegun fire. When his weapon rendered ineffective, he picked up an enemy submachine gun, and together with a pistol seized from a fallen comrade, continued his lethal fire until the enemy force had withdrawn. Exhausting his ammunition except for a grenade which he hurled at the enemy, he rejoined his platoon. His daring initiative, bold fighting spirit, and selfless devotion to duty inflicted many enemy casualties, disrupted the enemy attack, and saved the lives of many of his wounded comrades.
Plaque Wall Map
