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Medal of Honor recipient Richard Pittman laid to rest

Medal of Honor recipient Richard Pittman laid to rest

Medal of Honor recipient Master Sergeant Richard A. Pittman received a final salute before burial in California on Monday.

Family, friends and Marines gathered at Cherokee Memorial Park in Lodi, Calif., for the funeral service. Pittman passed away on Oct. 13, 2016 in Stockton.

In an oral history interview, Pittman described being disqualified from regular service due to partial blindness. He joined the Marine Corps Reserves and volunteered in 1966 for a tour in Vietnam as an infantryman.

On July 24, 1966, Pittman’s unit was ambushed near the Demilitarized Zone. He said he was one of the last in his column, and eventually rushed forward to help the Marines who were calling for help. Dodging fire, Pittman was able to take on enemy troops and assist the wounded Marines once the enemy retreated.

President Lyndon B. Johnson presented him with the Medal of Honor on May 14, 1968.

He is survived by his wife Patricia and his four daughters.

Article Originally published here.

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Comments

Sgt. Larry Stoneking 68-72. Ooorah - June 18, 2020

I can’t believe how many guys can remember who was in their training units. I remember guys from boot camp, units I did time in etc. No inkling about most.

Sgt Connelly MSP Logan Airport - June 18, 2020

Thank you Rick for all you have done for all of us especially me. I needed that extra push. I served with you in Okinawa and El Toro. You always taught us the right way to do things day in and day out in the MP field. You were a leader among us .Semper FI my friend . And don t call me sir

Cpl. TC Mosher - June 18, 2020

Rip Sgt Major. I went through ITR, Staging Battalion and landed in VN with a Pittman from Stockton, Ca. I wonder if they we’re related? We landed in country around 30 Mar 66. Half of us went to 3rd Mar. the rest went to? I can’t recall anymore. Any info would be appreciated as I wonder what happen to those Marines.

Alex Morales - June 18, 2020

Thank you for your great courage, and may you rest in peace, brother. I participated in this Operation, which must have been Hastings, and I survived because of heroes like you.

Top RamTwo - June 18, 2020

To the family of Top Pittman, though I never met this great Marine, but I heard many of the stories regarding his actions and read the warrant regarding the award of the MOH “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.” specially noted that he was a young LCpl and his only concern was for his fellow Marine Warriors which is what an Infantry Unit Leader is responsible for, secondly that he exchanged his M14 rifle for an M60 machinegun to take the lead and silence the enemy and again confronted by a frontal attack by 30 to 40 enemy he took position in the middle of the trail forcing the enemy to withdraw. From all we offer our condolences and if I can “Marines don’t die, they go to heaven and regroup” for Marines live forever. Semper Fi!

Tina Pittman-Carr - June 18, 2020

Thank you all for your thoughts and condolences, and thank you SGT. GRIT for sharing this. Our only consolation is that our father is again standing strong, on two feet, 10 feet tall and bulletproof. Sincerely, Tina Pittman-Carr

wilson, Anthony D. MSgt USMC Ret - June 18, 2020

Broke bread and shared drinks several times RIP Marine

Shawn Kane - June 18, 2020

I had the pleasure of hearing Msgt Pittman speak to a gathering of us 2/5 NCOs in August 1988. He was due to retire and I believe at the time he was the only Marine on active duty with a Congressional Medal of Honor. The subject he spoke to us about? Leadership in Combat…. Needless to say it was one of the highlights of my career. I mean, how many of us get to hear a CMH winner talk about leadership in combat? It doesn’t get any better than that. I sensed he was a very humble man. Semper fi and ooh rah Marine!

Michael Pelucca - June 18, 2020

I attended his service and the Marine Corps provided an awsome tribute to the outstanding Marine, man, husband, and father that was MSGT Pittman. He was a member of our Marine Corps League Detachment 019, Modesto, CA and will be missed by many but not forgotten. Semper Fi. Mike Pelucca 1966-1970 Sgt Vietnam 67-69

Clifford Beatty - June 18, 2020

REST IN PEACE MASTER SERGEANT PITTMAN YOU WILL BE MISSED BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN

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