Coila in Carroll County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)

Sgt. John A. Pittman

Medal of Honor

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 American Legion Post 29, Greenwood, MS.

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° 24.336′ N, 90° 5.568′ W. Marker is in Coila, Mississippi, in Carroll County. Memorial is on County Route 23. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Coila MS 38923, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. "Black Power" Speech (approx. 8½ miles away); Elks Hart Lodge No. 640 (approx. 8.7 miles away); Greenwood Underpass (approx. 8.8 miles away); Furry Lewis (approx. 9.1 miles away); Baptist Town (approx.

By Don Morfe, April 4, 2002

2. Sgt. John A. Pittman Marker

9.2 miles away); Blues Deejays (approx. 9.2 miles away); Greenwood's First Artesian Well (approx. 9.3 miles away); Battery 'C' (approx. 9.4 miles away).

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 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

By Don Morfe, February 5, 2006

3. Sgt. John A. Pittman Marker

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.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 24, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 914 times since then and 68 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.