Medal of Honor: Ryan M. Pitts – Afghanistan – July 13, 2008

Name: Ryan M. Pitts
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: U.S. Army
War: War in Afghanistan
Unit: 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade
Date of Action: July 13, 2008
Location: Vehicle Patrol Base Kahler, Wanat Village, Kunar Province, Afghanistan

Summary of Action

On the morning of 13 July 2008, Sergeant Ryan M. Pitts was manning perimeter security at Observation Post Topside near Vehicle Patrol Base Kahler when a force of more than 200 insurgents launched a coordinated assault using rocket-propelled grenades, machine guns, and small arms.

The opening barrage devastated the observation post, wounding Pitts and inflicting severe casualties on the defenders. Knocked to the ground and suffering significant blood loss from shrapnel wounds to his arm and legs, he nevertheless assumed control of the battered position and immediately returned fire.

As enemy fighters advanced toward the outpost, Pitts employed hand grenades with exceptional precision, delaying their detonation to maximize their effect against attackers closing on the position.

Unable to stand because of his wounds and growing weaker from blood loss, he continued delivering suppressive fire until a two-man reinforcement team fought its way to the observation post.

Even then, Pitts placed the mission before himself. He handed over his primary weapon to strengthen the defense, gathered ammunition for the new arrivals, and continued throwing grenades until his supply was exhausted.

Realizing that communication with the command post was critical, he crawled to the northern radio position despite intense enemy fire. With insurgents so close that he could hear them speaking, he whispered situation reports over the radio to avoid revealing his position, providing precise information that enabled commanders to direct indirect fire support onto the attackers.

His determination to continue fighting while gravely wounded prevented the enemy from overrunning Observation Post Topside, denied them the opportunity to capture fallen American soldiers, and stopped them from seizing the commanding terrain from which they could have launched a decisive assault on Vehicle Patrol Base Kahler.

Sergeant Ryan M. Pitts’ extraordinary courage, unwavering commitment to his fellow soldiers, and refusal to abandon his post despite near-fatal wounds embodied the highest traditions of the United States Army and earned him the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor Citation

PITTS, RYAN M.

Rank and Organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade.

Place and Date: 13 July 2008, Wanat Village, Kunar Province, Afghanistan.

Entered Service At: Boston, Massachusetts.

Born: 1985, Lowell, Massachusetts.

Citation:

Sergeant Ryan M. Pitts distinguished himself by extraordinary acts of heroism at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Forward Observer in 2nd Platoon, Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade during combat operations against an armed enemy at Vehicle Patrol Base Kahler in the vicinity of Wanat Village, Kunar Province, Afghanistan on July 13, 2008. Early that morning, while Sergeant Pitts was providing perimeter security at Observation Post Topside, a well-organized Anti-Afghan Force consisting of over 200 members initiated a close proximity sustained and complex assault using accurate and intense rocket-propelled grenade, machine gun and small arms fire on Wanat Vehicle Patrol Base. An immediate wave of rocket-propelled grenade rounds engulfed the Observation Post wounding Sergeant Pitts and inflicting heavy casualties. Sergeant Pitts had been knocked to the ground and was bleeding heavily from shrapnel wounds to his arm and legs, but with incredible toughness and resolve, he subsequently took control of the Observation Post and returned fire on the enemy. As the enemy drew nearer, Sergeant Pitts threw grenades, holding them after the pin was pulled and the safety lever was released to allow a nearly immediate detonation on the hostile forces. Unable to stand on his own and near death because of the severity of his wounds and blood loss, Sergeant Pitts continued to lay suppressive fire until a two-man reinforcement team arrived. Sergeant Pitts quickly assisted them by giving up his main weapon and gathering ammunition all while continually lobbing fragmentary grenades until these were expended. At this point, Sergeant Pitts crawled to the northern position radio and described the situation to the Command Post as the enemy continued to try and isolate the Observation Post from the main Patrol Base. With the enemy close enough for him to hear their voices and with total disregard for his own life, Sergeant Pitts whispered in the radio situation reports and conveyed information that the Command Post used to provide indirect fire support. Sergeant Pitts’ courage, steadfast commitment to the defense of his unit and ability to fight while seriously wounded prevented the enemy from overrunning the Observation Post and capturing fallen American soldiers, and ultimately prevented the enemy from gaining fortified positions on higher ground from which to attack Wanat Vehicle Patrol Base. Sergeant Ryan M. Pitts’ extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Company C, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade and the United States Army.