John H. Pruitt

John Henry Pruitt
Corporal John H. Pruitt, Medal of Honor recipient
Born	(1896-10-04)October 4, 1896 Fayetteville, Arkansas
Died	October 4, 1918(1918-10-04) (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 (3) 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. The Medals of Honor were presented posthumously for his actions during World War I.

John Henry Pruitt was born on October 4, 1896 in Fayetteville, Arkansas and he entered military service from Phoenix, Arizona in May 1917. 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 on his 22nd birthday, 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 US Navy 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.

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-handededly 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.

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.