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 have received two Medals of Honor.
Biography John Henry Pruitt was born on October 4, 1896, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He entered military service from Phoenix, Arizona, in May 1917.
As a corporal in the Marine Corps, Pruitt attacked and captured two enemy machine guns, and later captured forty of the enemy. The U.S. Army and later the U.S. Navy awarded him the Medal of Honor for his bravery on October 3, 1918, at the Battle of Blanc Mont Ridge, France. The next day, his 22nd birthday, he was killed by shell-fire.
His remains were returned to the United States and buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia.
Military awards
Medal of Honor
Army citation
Navy citation
Namesake The United States Navy named a destroyer in his honor and he was listed in Pershing's 100. Pruitt Hall on Marine Corps Base Quantico is named for him.
Decorations Pruitt's military decorations and awards include:
1st rowMedal of HonorMedal of Honor2nd rowSilver Starw/ two bronze oak leaf clustersPurple Heartw/ gold award starWorld War I Victory Medalw/ silver service star3rd rowMédaille militaireCroix de guerre 1914–1918w/ bronze palmCroce al Merito di Guerra
See also List of Medal of Honor recipients for World War I
References
Footnotes
Sources
External links