On October 3, 1918, during the Battle of Blanc Mont Ridge in World War I, Marine Corporal John Pruitt of the 6th Marine Regiment saw his unit’s assault stall under heavy machine-gun and artillery fire.
He charged alone.
Pruitt attacked two enemy machine-gun positions, capturing the guns and killing two German soldiers. He then stormed a nearby dugout and captured 40 prisoners—singlehandedly breaking the enemy resistance and allowing his unit to advance.
He was killed the following day by shell fire while engaging the enemy.
For his extraordinary heroism, Corporal John Pruitt was posthumously awarded both the Navy and Army Medals of Honor for the same action—one of only 19 men in history to receive the Medal of Honor twice.
🔔 Subscribe for more true stories of courage and sacrifice
💬 Share your thoughts in the comments
👍 Like if you value these stories
👥 Share to honor our military heroes