| John Henry Pruitt | |
|---|---|
| Corporal John H. Pruitt, Medal of Honor recipient |
|
| Born | October 4, 1896 Fayetteville, Arkansas |
| Died | October 4, 1918 (aged 22) KIA at Blanc Mont Ridge, France |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1917-1918 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit | 6th Marine Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Chateau-Thierry Battle of Belleau Wood Battle of Blanc Mont Ridge |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Army Medal of Honor Navy Silver Star Purple Heart Croix de Guerre |
John Henry Pruitt (October 4, 1896–October 4, 1918) was a United States Marine during World War I and is one of only 19 people who received two Medals of Honor.[1] The Medals of Honor were presented posthumously for his actions during World War I.
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John Henry Pruitt was born on October 4, 1896 in Fayetteville, Arkansas and he entered military service in Phoenix, Arizona. Pruitt was a corporal in the Marine Corps, he attacked and captured two enemy machine guns, and later captured forty of the enemy. Killed by shell-fire, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery on October 4, 1918 at the Battle of Blanc Mont Ridge, France by both the United States Marine Corps and the US Army (for the same action).
After his remains were returned to the United States he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. His grave can be found in section 18, lot #245-3, map grid P 10.
On March 10, 2004, the family of Corporal Pruitt turned over to the Marine Corps all of his medals, citations and artifacts for display at the museum at Quantico, Virginia.
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, 78th Company, 6th Regiment, 2d Division. Place and date: At Blanc Mont Ridge, France, October 3, 1918. Entered service at: Phoenix, Ariz. Born: October 4, 1896, Fayettesville, Ark. G.O. No.: 62, W.D., 1919. (Also received Navy Medal of Honor.)
Citation:
Cpl. Pruitt single-handed attacked 2 machineguns, capturing them and killing 2 of the enemy. He then captured 40 prisoners in a dugout nearby. This gallant Marine was killed soon afterward by shellfire while he was sniping at the enemy.[2]
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: October 4, 1896, Fayettesville, Ark. Accredited to: Arizona. (Also received Army Medal of Honor.)
Citation:
For extraordinary gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 78th Company, 6th Regiment, 2d Division, in action with the enemy at Blanc Mont Ridge, France, October 3, 1918. Cpl. Pruitt, single-handed attacked 2 machineguns, capturing them and killing 2 of the enemy. He then captured 40 prisoners in a dugout nearby. This gallant soldier was killed soon afterward by shellfire while he was sniping the enemy.[2]
The United States Navy named a destroyer USS Pruitt in his honor and he was listed in Pershing's 100. Pruitt hall on Marine Corps Base Quantico is named for him.