Remembering double Medal of Honor Recipient Cpl. John Henry Pruitt on the 120th anniversary of his birth and the 98th anniversary of his death on October 4.
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 received two Medals of Honor. The Medals of Honor were presented posthumously for his actions during World War I. John Henry Pruitt was born on October 4, 1896 in Fayetteville, Arkansas and he entered military service from Phoenix, Arizona in May 1917. Pruitt was a corporal in the Marine Corps, he attacked and captured two enemy machine guns, and later captured forty of the enemy. Killed by shell-fire, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery on October 4, 1918 at the Battle of Blanc Mont Ridge, France by both the US Navy and the US Army (for the same action). After his remains were returned to the United States he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Army Medal Citation: Cpl. Pruitt single-handededly attacked 2 machineguns, capturing them and killing 2 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 Medal Citation: For extraordinary gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 78th Company, 6th Regiment, 2d Division, in action with the enemy at Blanc Mont Ridge, France, October 3, 1918. Cpl. Pruitt, single-handed attacked 2 machineguns, capturing them and killing 2 of the enemy. He then captured 40 prisoners in a dugout nearby. This gallant soldier was killed soon afterward by shellfire while he was sniping the enemy.
Battles: Battle of Chateau-Thierry Battle of Belleau Wood Battle of Blanc Mont Ridge Awards: •Medal of Honor Army •Medal of Honor Navy •Silver Star (3) •Purple Heart •Croix de Guerre.
On April 22, 2003, the Pruitt Family removed all existing medals from the conservatorship of the Arizona State Capital Museum and presented them to the care and keeping of the United States Marine Corps to be transported to Quantico for display in the Marine Museum.“ (Wiki)
