Ryan Pitts: Medal Of Honor Story & Heroic Actions

Introduction

Ryan Pitts is a former United States Army soldier and a recipient of the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded for valor in action against an enemy force. His story is one of extraordinary courage, resilience, and selflessness in the face of overwhelming odds. In this article, we will delve into Ryan Pitts' background, his heroic actions during the Battle of Wanat, and the recognition he received for his bravery.

Early Life and Military Career

Ryan M. Pitts was born on October 1, 1984, in Nashua, New Hampshire. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2003 and completed his initial training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, and deployed to Afghanistan in 2005 and again in 2007-2008.

Pitts served as a forward observer, responsible for directing artillery and air support onto enemy positions. This role required him to be at the forefront of battles, often in direct contact with enemy forces. His dedication and competence quickly earned him the respect of his fellow soldiers.

The Battle of Wanat

The Battle of Wanat, which took place on July 13, 2008, is the defining event of Ryan Pitts' military career and the reason for his Medal of Honor. Combat Outpost (COP) Kahler, near the village of Wanat in Afghanistan's Nuristan Province, was attacked by a force of approximately 200 Taliban insurgents. The outpost was relatively new and somewhat isolated, making it a vulnerable target.

The Attack Begins

At around 4:20 a.m. local time, the insurgents launched a coordinated attack on COP Kahler. They used a combination of small arms fire, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), and mortars. The initial barrage was intense, causing significant casualties among the American and Afghan soldiers stationed at the outpost.

Ryan Pitts was manning Observation Post (OP) Topside, an exposed position located about 100 meters from the main base. Along with nine other soldiers, Pitts was responsible for providing early warning and defensive fire. The OP was quickly overwhelmed by the enemy's superior numbers and firepower.

Pitts' Heroic Actions

Despite being wounded early in the attack by shrapnel, Ryan Pitts remained at his post and continued to fight. He provided critical radio updates to the main base, calling in artillery fire on the enemy positions. His accurate and timely reports helped to disrupt the enemy's assault and prevent them from overrunning the outpost.

As the battle raged, Pitts sustained multiple injuries, including a gunshot wound to his arm and fragmentation wounds to his legs. Despite his severe injuries, he refused to leave his post. Instead, he crawled from position to position, throwing grenades and firing his weapon at the enemy.

His actions were instrumental in holding off the insurgents until reinforcements could arrive. By providing covering fire and directing artillery strikes, Pitts helped to prevent the enemy from breaching the outpost's defenses. — Utah Utes Football: Your Ultimate Guide

Reinforcements Arrive

After several hours of intense fighting, reinforcements arrived at COP Kahler. The combined forces of American and Afghan soldiers managed to repel the attack, but the battle had taken a heavy toll. Nine American soldiers were killed, and 27 were wounded. Hundreds of insurgents were killed or wounded.

Ryan Pitts was among the wounded soldiers evacuated from the outpost. His extraordinary courage and selflessness had played a crucial role in preventing a complete disaster. — Broken Bow, OK Weather Forecast & Updates

Medal of Honor

On July 21, 2014, President Barack Obama awarded Ryan Pitts the Medal of Honor in a ceremony at the White House. The citation for his Medal of Honor reads, in part:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty... Staff Sergeant Ryan M. Pitts distinguished himself by extraordinary acts of heroism while serving as a forward observer in Company C, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade, in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan, on July 13, 2008, in connection with combat operations against an armed enemy.

President Obama praised Pitts' bravery and selflessness, saying, "He refused to be overwhelmed. He fought on, inch by inch, never giving up… That’s the kind of strength, the kind of courage that protects us every single day."

The Significance of the Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is the United States of America's highest military decoration, awarded for valor "above and beyond the call of duty" in action against an enemy of the nation. It is presented by the President of the United States in the name of Congress.

Since its creation during the American Civil War, the Medal of Honor has been awarded to more than 3,500 individuals. Recipients of the Medal of Honor are held in the highest esteem by their fellow service members and the nation as a whole.

Life After the Military

After recovering from his injuries, Ryan Pitts left the Army and enrolled in college. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Business Administration. Pitts has worked in the business world and has also dedicated his time to supporting veterans' causes.

He remains an active advocate for veterans' issues and frequently speaks about his experiences in the military. Pitts' story serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating the importance of courage, resilience, and selflessness.

Lessons from Ryan Pitts' Story

The story of Ryan Pitts and the Battle of Wanat offers several important lessons: — 2000s Tech We Thought Would Last Forever

Courage Under Fire

Pitts' actions demonstrate the importance of courage in the face of overwhelming odds. Despite being severely wounded, he continued to fight and provide critical support to his fellow soldiers.

Selflessness and Sacrifice

Pitts' willingness to put his own life at risk to protect others is a testament to his selflessness and dedication to duty. His actions exemplify the values of the U.S. military.

Resilience and Determination

Pitts' ability to overcome adversity and continue fighting despite his injuries is an example of resilience and determination. His story shows that even in the most difficult circumstances, it is possible to persevere.

The Importance of Teamwork

The Battle of Wanat was a team effort, and Ryan Pitts played a crucial role in that team. His ability to communicate effectively and coordinate with others helped to ensure the success of the mission.

Conclusion

Ryan Pitts is a true American hero. His courage, selflessness, and resilience in the Battle of Wanat earned him the Medal of Honor and the gratitude of a nation. His story serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the importance of valor, sacrifice, and service to others.

FAQ

What is the Medal of Honor?

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed on a member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.

Why was Ryan Pitts awarded the Medal of Honor?

Ryan Pitts was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary acts of heroism during the Battle of Wanat in Afghanistan on July 13, 2008. Despite sustaining multiple injuries, Pitts continued to fight and provide critical support to his fellow soldiers, helping to repel a large-scale insurgent attack.

What were Ryan Pitts' injuries?

During the Battle of Wanat, Ryan Pitts sustained multiple injuries, including a gunshot wound to his arm and fragmentation wounds to his legs. Despite these severe injuries, he refused to leave his post and continued to fight.

What is the significance of the Battle of Wanat?

The Battle of Wanat was a fierce and costly engagement between U.S. and Afghan forces and Taliban insurgents. The battle resulted in numerous casualties on both sides and highlighted the challenges of fighting in remote and rugged terrain. Ryan Pitts' actions during the battle were instrumental in preventing a complete disaster.

What has Ryan Pitts done since leaving the military?

After leaving the military, Ryan Pitts earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of New Hampshire. He has worked in the business world and has also dedicated his time to supporting veterans' causes. He remains an active advocate for veterans' issues and frequently speaks about his experiences in the military.

How can I learn more about the Medal of Honor and its recipients?

You can learn more about the Medal of Honor and its recipients by visiting the official website of the Medal of Honor Historical Society or the National Medal of Honor Museum. These resources provide detailed information about the history of the Medal of Honor and the stories of its recipients.