Medal of Honor: John J. Pinder Jr. - World War II - June 6, 1944

Name: John J. Pinder Jr.
Rank: Technician Fifth Grade
Branch: U.S. Army
War: World War II
Unit: 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division
Date of Action: June 6, 1944
Location: Near Colleville-sur-Mer, France

Summary of Action

On 6 June 1944, during the opening assault on Omaha Beach, Technician Fifth Grade John J. Pinder Jr. displayed extraordinary courage while serving with the 16th Infantry Regiment of the 1st Infantry Division.

Landing approximately one hundred yards offshore under devastating German machine-gun and artillery fire, Pinder carried a radio whose successful delivery was essential for establishing communications between the assault forces and their commanders. As enemy fire tore through the landing craft, inflicting heavy casualties, he struggled toward the beach through waist-deep water.

Only a few yards from shore, Pinder was struck by enemy fire and gravely wounded.

Despite his injuries, he refused to stop.

Ignoring the pain and loss of blood, he fought his way onto the beach and delivered the vital radio to its intended destination, ensuring that critical communications could begin during the chaotic opening moments of the invasion.

Most men would have sought cover or accepted medical treatment.

Pinder did neither.

Rejecting evacuation and refusing aid, he repeatedly ventured back into the fire-swept surf to recover additional communications equipment from the disabled landing craft. Three separate times he entered the exposed water while machine-gun bullets and exploding shells churned the beach around him.

His efforts recovered numerous vital components, including another serviceable radio that would prove invaluable to the assault force.

During his third trip into the surf, enemy machine-gun fire struck him again, severely wounding his legs.

Still refusing to rest or seek treatment, Pinder remained exposed on the beach, growing steadily weaker as he worked to establish and maintain the desperately needed communications network.

While engaged in this mission, he was hit a third time and killed.

His unwavering devotion to duty and complete disregard for his own safety provided an enduring example of courage under the most desperate conditions. By sacrificing his own life to ensure communications and aid his fellow soldiers, Technician Fifth Grade John J. Pinder Jr. upheld the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

PINDER, JOHN J., JR.

Rank and organization: Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division.

Place and date: Near Colleville-sur-Mer, France, 6 June 1944.

Entered service at: Burgettstown, Pa.

Birth: McKees Rocks, Pa.

G.O. No.: 1, 4 January 1945.

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, near Colleville-sur-Mer, France. On D-Day, Technician 5th Grade Pinder landed on the coast 100 yards offshore under devastating enemy machine-gun and artillery fire which caused severe casualties among the boatload. Carrying a vitally important radio, he struggled toward shore in waist-deep water. Only a few yards from his craft he was hit by enemy fire and was gravely wounded. Technician 5th Grade Pinder never stopped. He made shore and delivered the radio. Refusing to take cover afforded, or to accept medical attention for his wounds, Technician 5th Grade Pinder, though terribly weakened by loss of blood and in fierce pain, on three occasions went into the fire-swept surf to salvage communication equipment. He recovered many vital parts and equipment, including another workable radio. On the third trip he was again hit, suffering machine-gun bullet wounds in the legs. Still this valiant soldier would not stop for rest or medical attention. Remaining exposed to heavy enemy fire, growing steadily weaker, he aided in establishing the vital radio communication on the beach. While so engaged this dauntless soldier was hit for the third time and killed. The indomitable courage and personal bravery of Technician 5th Grade Pinder was a magnificent inspiration to the men with whom he served.