Ryan M. Pitts

Ryan Pitts (born October 1, 1985) is a former United States Army soldier and the ninth living recipient of the Medal of Honor from the War in Afghanistan.

Early life Pitts lives in Nashua, New Hampshire, and grew up "all over New England", including Mont Vernon, New Hampshire. As a child, in kindergarten, Pitts wanted to join the army. In 2003, he graduated from Souhegan High School.

Military service Pitts joined the United States Army in 2003 and attended One Station Unit Training at Fort Sill. After completing training Pitts was assigned to the 319th Field Artillery Regiment until 2005; afterwards he was assigned to the 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, until 2009. During his time in the army, Pitt deployed twice to Afghanistan: in 2005 for 12 months, and in 2007 for 15 months. He was awarded the Medal of Honor on July 21, 2014.

Pitts graduated from the University of New Hampshire at Manchester with a bachelor's degree in business.

In 2015, Pitts was proclaimed as "New Englander of the Year" by his alma mater.

Personal life Pitts lives in Nashua, New Hampshire, with his wife Amy and son, Lucas. Pitts describes himself as a "private" individual, who does not enjoy the limelight.

Awards and decorations Military awards

Right breastLeft breastArmy Presidential Unit Citation Valorous Unit Award Combat Action BadgeMedal of HonorBronze Star Purple HeartMeritorious Service Medal Army Commendation Medal Army Achievement Medal Army Good Conduct Medal National Defense Service MedalAfghanistan Campaign Medal Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary MedalGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalNCO Professional Development Ribbon Army Service RibbonArmy Overseas Service Ribbon NATO Medal Pathfinder Badge Basic Parachutist Badge Staff Sergeant Pitts has also been awarded 2 service stripes and 4 Overseas Service Bars.

Medal of Honor citation alt=A light blue neck ribbon with a gold star shaped medallion hanging from it. The ribbon is similar in shape to a bowtie with 13 white stars in the center of the ribbon. The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of Congress the Medal of Honor to

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: