John J. Pinder, Jr.
| John J. Pinder Jr. | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
June 6, 1912 McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania |
| Died | June 6, 1944 (aged 32) near Colleville-sur-Mer, France |
| Place of burial | Grandview Cemetery, Florence, Pennsylvania |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Army
|
| Rank |
 Technician Fifth Grade
|
| Unit | 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars |
World War II • Battle of Normandy |
| Awards |
 Medal of Honor Bronze Star Purple Heart
|
John J. Pinder Jr. (June 6, 1912 – June 6, 1944) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II during the Battle of Normandy.
Pinder joined the Army from Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, and after initial training was assigned to Headquarters Company, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. In the vicinity of Gangi, Sicily, Pinder's heroic actions on 23 July 1943 earned him the Bronze Star Medal (Posthumously). By June 6, 1944 was serving as a Technician Fifth Grade. On that day, he participated in the Allied landings near Colleville-sur-Mer, France. Despite being twice wounded, Pinder refused medical attention and continued to gather communications equipment in order to establish a radio link on the beach before receiving a third and fatal wound. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor seven months later, on January 4, 1945.
Pinder, killed on his 32nd birthday, was buried in Grandview Cemetery, Florence, Pennsylvania. The U.S. Army barracks in Zirndorf, Germany, were named Pinder Barracks in his honor. Although these barracks were abandoned in the years after 1999, the name Pinder remained by decision of the city administration as the newly formed city district "Pinder Park".
US Army Transportation Corps coastal cargo ship FS 398 was named Cpl John J. Pinder Jr. in his honor.
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