Corporal John Henry Pruitt

John Henry Pruitt was born on October 4, 1896 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He enlisted in the US Marine Corps on May 3, 1917, at the age of 20, shortly after the United States entered WW1. During the summer of 1918, Pruitt fought in some of the biggest battles of WW1. From June 1st through the 14th, he participated in battles at Chateau-Thierry, Bouresches and Belleau Wood. On June 14, he was gassed, and evacuated to the American Red Cross hospital to recover, returning to the front on July 22nd. From September 12th to the 15th, he was engaged in active operations against the enemy in St. Mihiel Sector. On August 15, Pruitt was promoted to Corporal. A month later, he was cited for bravery by General Pershing for distinguished and exceptional gallantry at Thiaucourt, France on September 15, 1918. On October 3, 1918, during the battle at Blanc Mont Ridge, Corporal Pruitt singlehandedly took out two enemy machine gun nests, killing the German operators, and then captured 40 more enemy soldiers hiding in trenches. Later that same day, he was assigned to sniper duty and was hit by intense enemy fire and gravely wounded. He died the next day on October 4, 1918, on his 22nd birthday. For his valor, Corporal John Henry Pruitt posthumously received two Medals of Honor, one from the Navy and one from the Army. He was also awarded the Croix de Guerre by France, and the Croce di Guerra by Italy, both medals are those countries equivalents to the American Medal of Honor. In addition, Pruitt received two purple hearts, four silver stars, four bronze stars, and several other combat and victory medals. General John J. Pershing included Corporal Pruitt on his list of 100 heroes of the war. Pruitt was originally buried in the Meuse-Argonne Cemetery in Romagne, France. His remains were later returned to the United States and interred in Arlington National Cemetery on October 13, 1921. #distinguished #America #USA #military #armedforces #war #hero #army #navy #marines #sacrifice #medalofhonor #PurpleHeart #fayetteville #arkansas #johnhenrypruitt