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John Henry Pruitt

1896 – 1918

United States Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipient

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About John Henry Pruitt

Lived 1896 – 1918 (aged 22). John Henry Pruitt was an American military personnel.

John Henry Pruitt (October 4, 1896 – October 4, 1918) was a United States Marine during World War I and is one of only 19 people who have received two Medals of Honor.

Biography John Henry Pruitt was born on October 4, 1896, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He entered military service from Phoenix, Arizona, in May 1917.

As a corporal in the Marine Corps, Pruitt attacked and captured two enemy machine guns, and later captured forty of the enemy. The U.S. Army and later the U.S. Navy awarded him the Medal of Honor for his bravery on October 3, 1918, at the Battle of Blanc Mont Ridge, France. The next day, his 22nd birthday, he was killed by shell-fire.

His remains were returned to the United States and buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia.

Military awards

Medal of Honor

Army citation

Navy citation

Namesake The United States Navy named a destroyer in his honor and he was listed in Pershing's 100. Pruitt Hall on Marine Corps Base Quantico is named for him.

Decorations Pruitt's military decorations and awards include:

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Awards
Medal of Honor; Purple Heart; Silver Star
Also known as
John Pruitt, John H. Pruitt

People in John Henry Pruitt's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped John Henry Pruitt's

Frequently asked questions

Who was John Henry Pruitt?

United States Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipient

When was John Henry Pruitt born?

John Henry Pruitt was born on 4 October 1896 in Fayetteville.

When did John Henry Pruitt die?

John Henry Pruitt died on 4 October 1918 in France.

What was John Henry Pruitt's occupation?

John Henry Pruitt was a military personnel.

What nationality was John Henry Pruitt?

John Henry Pruitt was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: John Henry Pruitt

· Wikidata: Q6237038

· DBpedia: John H. Pruitt

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Henry Pruitt. https://biography.guide/john-henry-pruitt/

MLA: "John Henry Pruitt." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-henry-pruitt/.

Chicago: "John Henry Pruitt." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-henry-pruitt/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-26 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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