Greenwood in Leflore County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)

Sgt. John A. Pittman

Medal of Honor

Photographed By Don Morfe, April 4, 2002

1. Sgt. John A. Pittman Marker

Inscription. The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States of America. Sgt. Pittman earned this medal by his actions in Korea on 26 November 1950 as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army. His actions were “above and beyond the call of duty.” The Medal was conferred upon him by President Harry Truman.

Erected 2005 by Keesler-Hamrick-Gillespie American Legion Post 29, Greenwood, Mississippi.

Topics and series. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, Korean. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #33 Harry S. Truman, and the Medal of Honor Recipients series lists.

Location. 33° 31.859′ N, 90° 12′ W. Marker is in Greenwood, Mississippi, in Leflore County. Memorial is at the intersection of Sgt John Pittman Drive and Medallion Drive, on the right when traveling west on Sgt John Pittman Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Greenwood MS 38930, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bobbie Gentry (approx. 0.7 miles away); Hubert Sumlin (approx. 0.9 miles away); Old Greenwood Cemetery (approx. 1.1 miles away); Confederate Memorial Plot

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(approx. 1.1 miles away); Greenwood (approx. 1.1 miles away); Point LeFlore (approx. 1.2 miles away); LeFlore County Confederate Memorial (approx. 1.2 miles away); Greenwood Cotton Row District (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Greenwood.

More about this marker. Sgt. John A. Pittman is buried at another location in Carroll County at the New Hope Church Cemetery.

Regarding Sgt. John A. Pittman. MEDAL OF HONOR CITATION:
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company C, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Kujangdong, Korea, 26 November 1950. Entered service at: Carrolton, Miss. Born: 15 October 1928, Carrolton, Miss. G.O. No.: 39, 4 June 1951. Citation: Sgt. Pittman, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. He 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

Photographed By Don Morfe, April 4, 2002

2. Sgt. John A. Pittman Marker

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, Sgt. 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. Sgt. Pittman's extraordinary heroism reflects the highest credit upon himself and is in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the military service.

Photographed By Don Morfe, February 5, 2006

3. Sgt. John A. Pittman Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 24, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,165 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 24, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.