J. D. Pruitt

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to J. D. Pruitt (US53138657), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the night of 16 July 1953, in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea, Private Pruitt was a member of a combat patrol advancing to Hill 326, a contested area near enemy lines. Reaching the crest of the hill, he effectively positioned himself on the defense perimeter and opened fire on an approaching enemy force. In the ensuing fire fight and hand-to-hand combat, an enemy soldier charged toward Private Pruitt and attempted to take him prisoner. Private Pruitt aggressively engaged the man and threw him down the steep slope. Immediately, another of the enemy attacked Private Pruitt and was also knocked down the hillside. Private Pruitt then threw several grenades into the rapidly retreating force, mortally wounding a number of the foe. His quick decisions and courageous actions contributed materially to the success of the mission with a minimum of casualties. Private Pruitt’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.