Medal of Honor Recipient Richard A. Pittman Passes Away at 71

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C., Oct. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Congressional Medal of Honor Society announces that Lance Corporal Richard A. Pittman, Medal of Honor recipient, passed away Thursday evening, October 13, 2016, in Stockton, California at the age of 71.

Richard Pittman was born on May 26, 1945 in French Camp, San Joaquin County, California.

Then Lance Corporal Pittman's daring initiative, bold fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty inflicted many enemy casualties, disrupted the enemy attack and saved the lives of many of his wounded comrades near the Demilitarized Zone in the Republic of Vietnam. His personal valor at grave risk to himself reflects the highest credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the U.S. Naval Service.

He was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Lyndon B. Johnson at a White House ceremony on May 14, 1968.  Richard Pittman retired from the Marine Corps as a Master Sergeant on October 27, 1988.

Richard A. Pittman is survived by his wife Patricia and family.  Funeral services are pending. There are 76 recipients alive today.

About the Congressional Medal of Honor Society

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society was chartered by Congress in 1958 and consists exclusively of the living recipients of our nation's highest award for bravery in combat, the Medal of Honor. Those who wear this light blue ribbon and Medal around their neck are "recipients" of this prestigious award; they are not "winners." Although it is common to refer to the Medal as the Congressional Medal of Honor, it is simply named the Medal of Honor, although, as stated, the Congress did establish the Society as the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

Contact: Victoria Kueck
843-884-8862
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SOURCE Congressional Medal of Honor Society