On the morning of July 13, 2008, then, Sgt. Pitts was providing perimeter security at an observation post, when a well-organized enemy force of over 200 fighters initiated a sustained assault using accurate and intense rocket-propelled grenade, machine gun and small arms fire on Vehicle Patrol Basein, in the vicinity of Wanat Village, Kunar Province, Afghanistan.
A wave of rocket-propelled grenade rounds engulfed the Observation Post wounding Sergeant Pitts and inflicting heavy casualties. Pitts was knocked to the ground and was bleeding heavily from wounds to his arm and legs. With incredible toughness and resolve, he subsequently took control of the Observation Post and returned fire on the enemy. As the enemy drew closer, Pitts began throwing grenades, holding them after the pin was pulled and the safety lever was released to allow a nearly immediate detonation on the hostile forces.
Near death and unable to stand on his own because of the severity of his wounds and blood loss, Pitts continued to lay suppressive fire until a two-man reinforcement team arrived. He gave them his main weapon and began gathering ammunition all while continually lobbing grenades until they were expended. Pitts then crawled to a radio and described the situation to the Command Post as the enemy continued to try and isolate them from the main patrol base. With the enemy close enough to hear their voices and with total disregard for his own life, he whispered in the radio situation reports and conveyed information that the Command Post used to provide indirect fire support.
Sgt. Pitts’ extreme courage and ability to fight while seriously wounded prevented the enemy force from overrunning the observation post, capturing fallen American soldiers, and ultimately prevented the enemy from gaining fortified positions on higher ground from which to attack the main patrol base.
