Background
John Henry Pruitt was born on October 4, 1896 in Fayetteville, Arkansas and he entered military service from Phoenix, Arizona in May 1917.
John Henry Pruitt was born on October 4, 1896 in Fayetteville, Arkansas and he entered military service from Phoenix, Arizona in May 1917.
The Medals of Honor were presented posthumously for his actions during World War I. Pruitt was a corporal in the Marine Corps, he attacked and captured two enemy machine guns, and later captured forty of the enemy. Killed by shell-fire, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery on October 4, 1918 at the Battle of Blanc Mont Ridge, France by both the United States Navy and the United States Army (for the same action). After his remains were returned to the United States he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
His grave can be found in section 18, lot #245-3, map grid P 10.
The United States Navy named a destroyer United States Ship Pruitt in his honor and he was listed in Pershing"s 100. Pruitt Hall on Marine Corps Base Quantico is named for him.