Honoring a Hero: Chakchiuma Chapter DAR Partners with American Legion Post 29 to Honor Medal of Honor Recipient Sgt. John A. Pittman
A new landmark now stands at the entrance of Sgt. John Pittman Drive, ensuring that the heroism of a local Medal of Honor recipient will never be forgotten.
The Chakchiuma Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution has partnered with Keesler-Hamrick-Gillespie American Legion Post 29 to install a 30-foot steel flagpole flying both the American flag and the Medal of Honor flag in honor of Sgt. John A. Pittman, a Carroll County native and longtime Greenwood resident who received the nation's highest military honor for his extraordinary bravery during the Korean War.
The flags were raised on the newly installed flagpole on September 13, 2024, at the corner of Medallion Drive and Sgt. John Pittman Drive—a fitting location for a tribute to a man whose street bears his name.
"It's the perfect place for the flag," said Post 29 Commander Johnny Favara. "It starts at the entrance of the street."
The project, contracted with Leflore Steel and headed by Legionnaire Floyd Melton Jr., represents a significant upgrade from the previous pole that had become unstable over time. The new flagpole features a metal eagle topper and displays the distinctive Medal of Honor flag—light blue with gold fringe and 13 white stars resembling the ribbon Pittman received.
The Chakchiuma Chapter had been seeking a location to install an American flag when they learned of Post 29's plans. The partnership was a natural fit.
"It is such an honor for Chakchiuma Chapter to partner with American Legion Post 29 to honor Sgt. John A. Pittman for his heroic act of bravery in the Korean War," said Bobbie Beard, regent of the Chakchiuma Chapter at the time of the project.
A Hero's Story
Sgt. John A. Pittman's act of courage on November 26, 1950, during the Battle of the Ch'ongch'on River near Kujang-dong, Korea, exemplifies the ultimate sacrifice. At just 22 years old, the U.S. Army infantry sergeant threw himself onto a live grenade to protect the soldiers in his platoon.
His official Medal of Honor citation reads:
“Moving aggressively forward in the face of intense artillery, mortar, and small-arms fire he was wounded by mortar fragments. Disregarding his wounds he continued to lead and direct his men in a bold advance against the hostile standpoint. During this daring action, an enemy grenade was thrown in the midst of his squad endangering the lives of his comrades. Without hesitation, Sgt. Pittman threw himself on the grenade and absorbed its burst with his body. When a medical aid man reached him, his first request was to be informed as to how many of his men were hurt. This intrepid and selfless act saved several of his men from death or serious injury and was an inspiration to the entire command. Sgt. Pittman's extraordinary heroism reflects the highest credit upon himself and is in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the military service.”
Miraculously, Pittman survived, though he carried shrapnel in his body for the rest of his life and lost mobility in his neck. He also earned two Purple Hearts, including one from an earlier engagement.
In July 1951, President Harry S. Truman presented Pittman and two other servicemen with the Congressional Medal of Honor. Pittman's image graced the cover of Life magazine on July 2, 1951, where he was described as "a young Mississippi farm boy."
A Life of Service
After returning home, Pittman farmed with his father near Tallula before moving to Greenwood, where he worked for many years as service manager at Western Auto. He was also a member of American Legion Post 29.
Favara, who worked across the street from Pittman, remembered him as humble and unassuming. “He was a genuine guy, just a very regular guy. He didn't boast about anything.”
Favara noted that approximately 90% of soldiers who jumped on hand grenades did not survive. “That takes an exceptional person,” he added.
Pittman passed away in 1995 and received a full military burial at New Hope Christian Church Cemetery in Carroll County, where he attended as a child.
Community Support
The project, costing more than $3,600, received generous donations from the community, including concrete and wiring. A plaque at the base of the flagpole reads: “Erected by Chakchiuma Chapter NSDAR and American Legion Post 29 2024.”
Spotlights are planned for installation to illuminate the flags at night.
“I've had a lot of people say it's gorgeous,” said Favara. “I think it's very nice.”
A formal dedication ceremony to celebrate the flagpole and honor Sgt. Pittman's legacy is in development and will be announced at a future date.
The Chakchiuma Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, is dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism in the Greenwood community. For more information about the chapter or upcoming America 250 events, visit ChakchiumaDAR.org.
