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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army CPT Riley L. Pitts.
Medal of Honor
Episode 2972 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine MSG Richard A. Pittman. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.
U.S. Army Captain Riley L. Pitts was a true American hero and the first Black officer to receive the Medal of Honor for combat valor. Serving in Vietnam with the 25th Infantry Division, CPT Pitts demonstrated extraordinary bravery on October 31, 1967, near Ap Dong, South Vietnam.
Leading his company into battle, CPT Pitts faced intense enemy fire. Despite overwhelming odds, he fearlessly charged enemy positions, throwing grenades and directing airstrikes to support his men. When one grenade failed to clear a bunker, he heroically picked it up and tried again, fully exposing himself to enemy fire. His selfless actions saved lives but ultimately cost him his own.
For his unparalleled courage and leadership, CPT Riley L. Pitts was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on December 10, 1968. His sacrifice remains a testament to the valor and dedication of U.S. soldiers in the Vietnam War.
His honors include: Pitts Park in Oklahoma City is named in his honor. A mural depicting Pitts is to be unveiled 2023-11-11 at Pitts Park
Post No. GR07 of The American Legion, Department of France, at Wiesbaden, Germany, was named after him.[The Post was originally chartered on April 15, 1988, at Worms, West Germany.
Listen to Episode 2972 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army CPT Riley L. Pitts.
