Ryan M. Pitts
Ryan Pitts (born October 1, 1985) is a former United States Army soldier and the ninth living recipient of the Medal of Honor from the War in Afghanistan.[1][2]
Ryan M. Pitts | |
|---|---|
Pitts in July 2014 | |
| Born | October 1, 1985 Lowell, Massachusetts, United States |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ | United States Army |
| Years of service | 2003–2009 |
| Rank | Staff Sergeant |
| Unit | 319th Field Artillery Regiment 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade |
| Battles/wars | War in Afghanistan |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Bronze Star Medal Purple Heart |
| Spouse(s) | Amy Pitts (m. 2012) |
Early life
Pitts grew up in Mont Vernon, New Hampshire.[3] As a child, in kindergarten, Pitts wanted to join the army.[4] In 2003, he graduated from Souhegan High School.[5]
Military service
Pitts joined the United States Army in 2003 and attended One Station Unit Training at Fort Sill. After completing training Pitt was assigned to the 319th Field Artillery Regiment until 2005; afterwards he was assigned to the 503rd Infantry Regiment until 2009.[6] During his time in the army, Pitt deployed twice to Afghanistan: in 2005 for 12 months, and in 2007 for 15 months.[6]
Medal of Honor action
On July 13, 2008. Early that morning, while Sergeant Pitts was providing perimeter security at Observation Post Topside, a well-organized Anti-Afghan Force consisting of over 200 members initiated a close proximity sustained and complex assault using accurate and intense rocket-propelled grenade, machine gun and small arms fire on Wanat Vehicle Patrol Base. An immediate wave of rocket-propelled grenade rounds engulfed the Observation Post wounding Sergeant Pitts and inflicting heavy casualties. Sergeant Pitts had been knocked to the ground and was bleeding heavily from shrapnel wounds to his arm and legs, but with incredible toughness and resolve, he subsequently took control of the observation post and returned fire on the enemy. As the enemy drew nearer, Sergeant Pitts threw grenades, holding them after the pin was pulled and the safety lever was released to allow a nearly immediate detonation on the hostile forces. Unable to stand on his own and near death because of the severity of his wounds and blood loss, Sergeant Pitts continued to lay suppressive fire until a two-man reinforcement team arrived. Sergeant Pitts quickly assisted them by giving up his main weapon and gathering ammunition all while continually lobbing fragmentary grenades until these were expended. At this point, Sergeant Pitts crawled to the northern position radio and described the situation to the command post as the enemy continued to try and isolate the Observation Post from the main Patrol Base. With the enemy close enough for him to hear their voices and with total disregard for his own life, Sergeant Pitts whispered in radio situation reports and conveyed information that the Command Post used to provide indirect fire support. Sergeant Pitts' courage, steadfast commitment to the defense of his unit and ability to fight while seriously wounded prevented the enemy from overrunning the observation post and capturing fallen American soldiers, and ultimately prevented the enemy from gaining fortified positions on higher ground from which to attack Wanat Vehicle Patrol Base.
Post-military life
Initially Pitts was recommended to receive a Distinguished Service Cross.[7] Pitts was awarded the Medal of Honor on July 21, 2014, for actions on July 13, 2008, during the Battle of Wanat.[8] As part of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, Sergeant Pitts served as a Forward Observer. Along with Salvatore Giunta and Kyle J. White, Pitts is the third recipient of the Medal of Honor from 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment. Pitts was medically discharged in 2009.[2][8]
Personal life
Pitts lives in Nashua, New Hampshire, with his wife Amy and son, Lucas.[9] Pitts graduated from the University of New Hampshire at Manchester with a bachelor's degree in Business.[6] He works in business development for Oracle.[2][10] In 2015, Pitts was proclaimed as "New Englander of the Year" by his alma mater.[11] Pitts describes himself as a "private" individual, who does not enjoy the limelight.[12]
Awards and decorations
Military awards
| Right breast | Left breast | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Army Presidential Unit Citation | Valorous Unit Award | Combat Action Badge | |||||
| Medal of Honor | Bronze Star with "V" device | Purple Heart | |||||
| Meritorious Service Medal | Army Commendation Medal with 3 bronze Oak leaf clusters (4 awards) | Army Achievement Medal | |||||
| Army Good Conduct Medal with 2 bronze Good conduct loops (3 awards) | National Defense Service Medal | Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 2 campaign stars | |||||
| Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal | Global War on Terrorism Service Medal | NCO Professional Development Ribbon with award numeral 2 | |||||
| Army Service Ribbon | Army Overseas Service Ribbon with award numeral 4 | NATO Medal for ex-Yugoslavia | |||||
| Pathfinder Badge | Basic Parachutist Badge | ||||||
- Staff Sergeant Pitts has also been awarded 2 service stripes and 4 Overseas Service Bars.[13]
Medal of Honor citation
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of Congress the Medal of Honor to
UNITED STATES ARMY
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:
Sergeant Ryan M. Pitts distinguished himself by extraordinary acts of heroism at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Forward Observer in 2d Platoon, Chosen Company, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade, during combat operations against an armed enemy at Vehicle Patrol Base Kahler vicinity of Wanat Village, Kunar Province, Afghanistan on July 13, 2008. Early that morning, while Sergeant Pitts was providing perimeter security at Observation Post Topside, a well-organized Anti-Afghan Force consisting of over 200 members initiated a close proximity sustained and complex assault using accurate and intense rocket-propelled grenade, machine gun and small arms fire on Wanat Vehicle Patrol Base. An immediate wave of rocket-propelled grenade rounds engulfed the Observation Post wounding Sergeant Pitts and inflicting heavy casualties. Sergeant Pitts had been knocked to the ground and was bleeding heavily from shrapnel wounds to his arm and legs, but with incredible toughness and resolve, he subsequently took control of the observation post and returned fire on the enemy. As the enemy drew nearer, Sergeant Pitts threw grenades, holding them after the pin was pulled and the safety lever was released to allow a nearly immediate detonation on the hostile forces. Unable to stand on his own and near death because of the severity of his wounds and blood loss, Sergeant Pitts continued to lay suppressive fire until a two-man reinforcement team arrived. Sergeant Pitts quickly assisted them by giving up his main weapon and gathering ammunition all while continually lobbing fragmentary grenades until these were expended. At this point, Sergeant Pitts crawled to the northern position radio and described the situation to the command post as the enemy continued to try and isolate the Observation Post from the main Patrol Base. With the enemy close enough for him to hear their voices and with total disregard for his own life, Sergeant Pitts whispered in radio situation reports and conveyed information that the Command Post used to provide indirect fire support. Sergeant Pitts' courage, steadfast commitment to the defense of his unit and ability to fight while seriously wounded prevented the enemy from overrunning the observation post and capturing fallen American soldiers, and ultimately prevented the enemy from gaining fortified positions on higher ground from which to attack Wanat Vehicle Patrol Base. Sergeant Ryan M. Pitts' extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Company C, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade and the United States Army.[14]
See also
References
- ^ Sparshott, Jeffrey (June 23, 2014). "President Obama to Award Medal of Honor to Army Sgt. Ryan Pitts". Washington Wire – WSJ. Blogs.wsj.com. Retrieved June 24, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Army staff sergeant will receive Medal of Honor for valor at Wanat | Army Times". armytimes.com. June 23, 2014. Retrieved June 24, 2014.
- ^ Heilshorn, Greg (August 2014). "Reluctant Hero Ryan Pitts". New Hampshire Magazine. McLean Communications. Retrieved April 18, 2018.
- ^ "Obama to award Medal of Honor to Nashua man". WCVB. Boston. June 23, 2014. Retrieved April 18, 2018.
- ^ Ashlock, Alex (July 21, 2014). "New Hampshire Veteran Receives Medal Of Honor". WBUR. Boston. Retrieved April 18, 2018.
- ^ a b c Herbert, Paul (August 7, 2014). "Medal of Honor Recipient Ryan Pitts". Pritzker Military Museum & Library. Retrieved April 18, 2018.
- ^ Lamothe, Dan (July 23, 2014). "Little-known details emerge about Ryan Pitts Medal of Honor case". Washington Post. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
- ^ a b "President Obama to Award the Medal of Honor". whitehouse.gov (Press release). June 23, 2014. Retrieved June 24, 2014 – via National Archives.
- ^ "Medal of Honor goes to soldier 'who held the line'". Usatoday.com. July 21, 2014. Retrieved October 19, 2017.
- ^ Adwar, Corey (May 20, 2015). "See What Medal Of Honor Recipient Ryan Pitts Told Graduating Students During A Commencement Speech". Task & Purpose. Grid North Company. Retrieved April 18, 2018.
- ^ "In the News: Medal of Honor Recipient and Alumnus Ryan Pitts Receives New Englander of the Year Award". Campus News. University of New Hampshire at Manchester. October 26, 2015. Retrieved April 18, 2018.
- ^ Clark, James (May 20, 2015). "Ryan Pitts On Why Even The Most Painful War Stories Should Be Shared". Task & Purpose. Grid North Company. Retrieved April 18, 2018.
- ^ "Medal of Honor: Staff Sergeant Ryan Pitts" (Press release). Army.mil. June 23, 2014. Retrieved June 24, 2014.
- ^ "Staff Sergeant Ryan Pitts – Medal of Honor Citation". The United States Army.
External links
- Staff Sergeant Ryan Pitts Medal of Honor
- President Obama Presents the Medal of Honor to Staff Sergeant Ryan M. Pitts
- Ryan Pitts Interview at the Pritzker Military Museum & Library