
The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
*PINDER, JOHN J., JR.
Rank and Organization: Technician Fifth Grade, U.S.
Army, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Place and Date Near Colleville-sur-Mer,
France, 6 June 1944. Entered service at: Burgettstown, Pa. Birth: McKees
Rocks, Pa. G.O. No.: 1, 4 January 1945.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June
1944, near Colleville-sur-Mer, France. On D-day, Technician 5th Grade Pinder landed on the
coast 100 yards off shore under devastating enemy machinegun and artillery fire which
caused severe casualties among the boatload. Carrying a vitally important radio, he
struggled towards shore in waist-deep water. Only a few yards from his craft he was hit by
enemy fire and was gravely wounded. Technician 5th Grade Pinder never stopped. He made
shore and delivered the radio. Refusing to take cover afforded, or to accept medical
attention for his wounds, Technician 5th Grade Pinder, though terribly weakened by loss of
blood and in fierce pain, on 3 occasions went into the fire-swept surf to salvage
communication equipment. He recovered many vital parts and equipment, including another
workable radio. On the 3rd trip he was again hit, suffering machinegun bullet wounds in
the legs. Still this valiant soldier would not stop for rest or medical attention.
Remaining exposed to heavy enemy fire, growing steadily weaker, he aided in establishing
the vital radio communication on the beach. While so engaged this dauntless soldier was
hit for the third time and killed. The indomitable courage and personal bravery of
Technician 5th Grade Pinder was a magnificent inspiration to the men with whom he served.
|