On this day, July 24, 1966, Lance Corporal Richard A. Pittman faced overwhelming odds solo

On this day, July 24, 1966, Lance Corporal Richard A. Pittman faced overwhelming odds solo near the Demilitarized Zone in Vietnam, saving numerous fellow Marines. As Pittman’s company advanced along a narrow jungle trail, the lead elements encountered intense fire from a well-concealed enemy force that outnumbered them. Marines were wounded and urgently called for more firepower. Pittman exchanged his rifle for a machine gun and ammunition belts, then boldly charged forward alone.

Under fire at point-blank range, he silenced the enemy position that was pinning his comrades down and went on to destroy two additional automatic weapons that targeted him. Realizing there were wounded Marines further down the trail, he fought through mortar and small arms fire, only to face thirty to forty enemy soldiers in a frontal assault. He positioned himself in the center of the trail and unleashed machine gun fire. When his weapon jammed, he grabbed a submachine gun and pistol from a fallen comrade, continuing the fight until the enemy retreated. With his ammo nearly depleted, he tossed his last grenade and returned to his platoon.

Richard Allan Pittman was born on May 26, 1945, near Stockton, California. He was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Lyndon B. Johnson on May 14, 1968, retired from the Marine Corps as a Master Sergeant, and passed away on October 13, 2016, at the age of 71. One man, one machine gun, and the determination to protect his brothers in arms.