John H. Pruitt


John Henry Pruitt 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: