USMC Cpl John Pruitt: Double Medal of Honor Recipient WWI

Before enlisting in the Marine Corps on May 3, 1917, Pruitt worked shoveling mine debris alongside his father. After completing boot camp, he was assigned to the 78th Company, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Division.

On February 5, 1918, Pruitt and his unit arrived in France, where they fought alongside the 2nd Division of the American Expeditionary Forces under General John J. Pershing.

In June, they were at Château-Thierry in northern France, helping to halt a major German offensive. Shortly afterward, Pruitt and his unit fought in the Battle of Belleau Wood, part of the larger German spring offensive.

During a German attack on June 14, Pruitt was gassed and evacuated to a Red Cross hospital. He rejoined his unit on July 22 and was promoted to corporal on August 15. He was later recognized by General Pershing for gallantry at the Battle of Saint-Mihiel on September 15.

On October 3, 1918, during the Battle of Blanc Mont Ridge, Corporal Pruitt and his unit advanced under heavy machine-gun and artillery fire when the attack stalled. Enemy positions were well concealed and pouring fire into the Marines’ line.

Recognizing that decisive action was needed, Pruitt charged alone into the enemy positions and engaged the Germans at close range. During his solo assault, he attacked two machine-gun positions, capturing them and killing two enemy soldiers. He then turned to a nearby dugout, where he captured 40 prisoners.

His fearless actions enabled his unit to resume the advance and secure the objective.

The following day, while sniping at enemy positions, Pruitt was killed by shell fire. It was his 22nd birthday.

For his extraordinary heroism, he was posthumously awarded both the Navy and the Army Medals of Honor for the same action — one of only 19 men in history to receive the Medal of Honor twice.

In 1920, the Navy honored his legacy by commissioning the Clemson-class destroyer USS Pruitt in his honor.

You can watch a short video about his story here: https://youtube.com/shorts/FSe9QZQe3g0

Navy Medal of Honor Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy at Blanc Mont Ridge, France, October 3, 1918. Corporal Pruitt single-handed attacked two machine-guns, capturing them and killing two of the enemy. He then captured 40 prisoners in a dugout nearby. This gallant soldier was killed soon afterward by shell-fire while he was sniping the enemy.