Ryan Pitts Featured at National Medal of Honor Museum

Raised in New Hampshire, Ryan M. Pitts enlisted in the U.S. Army at 17. By 22, he found himself in the rugged terrain of Afghanistan’s Kunar Province, serving as a Forward Observer in the 2nd Platoon, Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade. It was here, on July 13, 2008, at Vehicle Patrol Base Kahler near Wanat Village, that Pitts’s valor would etch his name into military history.​

In the pre-dawn hours, a formidable force of over 200 insurgents launched a coordinated assault on the base. Manning Observation Post Topside, then-Sergeant Pitts and his comrades bore the brunt of the initial onslaught. A barrage of rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire inflicted severe casualties, leaving Pitts with critical shrapnel wounds to his arms and legs. Despite his injuries and significant blood loss, Pitts refused to yield. He maintained defensive fire, hurled grenades with precision timing to deter advancing enemies, and provided crucial situational reports to the command post, all while enduring excruciating pain and the loss of fellow soldiers. His unwavering resolve prevented the enemy from overtaking the observation post and exploiting its strategic advantage against the main base.​

For his extraordinary heroism and selflessness, Pitts was awarded the Medal of Honor on July 21, 2014, by President Barack Obama in a ceremony at the White House. His citation commends his “courage, steadfast commitment to the defense of his unit,” and his actions that “prevented the enemy from overrunning the Observation Post and capturing fallen American soldiers.”

Pitts’s story has been chronicled in the book “Ryan Pitts: Afghanistan: A Firefight in the Mountains of Wanat” by Michael P. Spradlin. This work is part of the Medal of Honor series, which profiles the United States’ highest military decoration. The book offers readers, particularly younger audiences, an in-depth look at Pitts’s journey and the harrowing battle that defined his service. It is available for purchase on Amazon. ​

Today, Ryan Pitts’s legacy continues to inspire as his story is featured at the National Medal of Honor Museum. His actions serve as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of service members, embodying the highest ideals of military service and reflecting great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.​