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 was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia.

Military awards

Medal of Honor

Army citation

"Pruitt single-handedly attacked two machineguns, capturing them and killing two 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."

Navy citation

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy at Blanc Mont Ridge, France, October 3, 1918. Corporal Pruitt single-handed attacked two machine-guns, capturing them and killing two of the enemy. He then captured 40 prisoners in a dugout nearby. This gallant soldier was killed soon afterward by shell-fire while he was sniping the enemy."

Namesake

The United States Navy named a destroyer USS Pruitt (DD-347) 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:

Footnotes

Sources