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Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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World War II - U.S. Army

John J Pinder Jr.

Details
  • Rank: Technician Fifth Grade
  • Conflict/Era: World War II
  • Unit/Command:
    16th Infantry,
    1st Infantry Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: June 6, 1944
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: near Colleville-sur-Mer, France
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 Fifth 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 towards shore in waist-deep water. Only a few yards from his craft he was hit by enemy fire and was gravely wounded. Technician Fifth 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 Fifth 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 communications 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 Fifth Grade Pinder was a magnificent inspiration to the men with whom he served.

Medal of Honor Recipient John J. Pinder Jr.
Medal of Honor Recipient John J. Pinder Jr.
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Burgettstown, Washington County, Pennsylvania
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: January 26, 1945

    Presented to his father, John J. Pinder, Sr., by Maj. Gen. Philip Hayes, at the Fifth Regiment Armory in Baltimore, MD.

  • Born: June 6, 1912, McKees Rocks, Allegheny County, PA, United States
  • Died: June 6, 1944, France
  • Buried: Grand View Cemetery, Burgettstown, Township Hanover, PA, United States
  • Location of Medal: Soldier & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum, Pittsburgh, PA
 
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