2 MOH's, a 3 star, and a Master Guns

[josephd]

Did a colors ceremony today for a golf tournament to raise money for the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation.

Had the awesome privilege to meet, play golf, have some cocktails, and just shoot the **** with 2 MOH recipients, a Lt. Gen., and a MGySgt. who runs the Wounded Warrior Regiment here for most of the Western U.S.

Reading these Marines bios and MOH citations was more than enough motivation to last awhile.

Just thought I would share the experience. As soon as I get pictures from the photographer that was there I will try to post them up.

[USNAviator]

Did a colors ceremony today for a golf tournament to raise money for the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation.

Had the awesome privilege to meet, play golf, have some cocktails, and just shoot the **** with 2 MOH recipients, a Lt. Gen., and a MGySgt. who runs the Wounded Warrior Regiment here for most of the Western U.S.

Reading these Marines bios and MOH citations was more than enough motivation to last awhile.

Just thought I would share the experience. As soon as I get pictures from the photographer that was there I will try to post them up.


That must have been an incredible experience. I've never had the honor to meet an MOH holder let alone two of them. Care to share their names? I'm sure reading their bios would motivate some of the young men and women aboard :thumbup:

[josephd]

Master Sergeant Richard A. Pittman and Sergeant Major Jon R. Cavaiani

And I actually need to correct myself here, Sergeant Major Cavaiani is not a Marine but was in the Army. Either way he is still a MOH recipient and one hell of a soldier.

And yes sir it was a incredible experience, some of the other retired Marines that were their were telling us to soak up whatever we could from them because it is such a rare opportunity to actually meet and talk with a MOH recipient.

[DocGreek]

One of my instructors, in 66' at USN Hospital Corps School....in San Diego......was HMC Cherette (SP?). The Chief received the CMOH for his actions during the "Police-Action" in Korea. HELL of a man!!!.....Lives in Florida, and in his 80's.

[sscjoe]

Master Sergeant Richard A. Pittman and Sergeant Major Jon R. Cavaiani

And I actually need to correct myself here, Sergeant Major Cavaiani is not a Marine but was in the Army. Either way he is still a MOH recipient and one hell of a soldier.

And yes sir it was a incredible experience, some of the other retired Marines that were their were telling us to soak up whatever we could from them because it is such a rare opportunity to actually meet and talk with a MOH recipient.

Joe, that is so cool. I served with M/Sgt Pittman, when he was a S/Sgt, at El Toro in 1978.

[ChuckH]

http://www.pbase.com/chuckh/image/37416198
Not sure how to post a photo on here.
I am the tall handsome guy 2nd from the left. :)
The MOH recipient far left is a very good friend of mine Sammy L Davis.

[ChuckH]

Here ya go.... Sammy L Davis far left, Me 2nd from left, One of my best friends a Navy Corpsman 3 VN tour Ron "BigDoc" Smith.

[FistFu68]

:thumbup: :iwo:

[Gunner 0313]

The President of the United States (http://www.leatherneck.com/wiki/President_of_the_United_States) takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to
<center> SERGEANT RICHARD A. PITTMAN
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
</center> for service as set forth in the following CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a member of First Platoon, Company I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines during combat operations near the Demilitarized Zone, Republic of Vietnam. On July 24, 1966, while Company I was conducting an operation along the axis of a narrow jungle trail, the leading company elements suffered numerous casualties when they suddenly came under heavy fire from a well concealed and numerically superior enemy force. Hearing the engaged Marines' calls for more firepower, Sergeant (then Lance Corporal) Pittman quickly exchanged his rifle for a machine gun and several belts of ammunition, left the relative safety of his platoon, and unhesitatingly rushed forward to aid his comrades. Taken under intense enemy small-arms (http://www.leatherneck.com/wiki/Small_arms) fire at point blank range during his advance, he returned the fire, silencing the enemy positions. As Sergeant Pittman continued to forge forward to aid members of the leading platoon, he again came under heavy fire from two automatic weapons (http://www.leatherneck.com/wiki/Automatic_weapon) which he promptly destroyed. Learning that there were additional wounded Marines fifty yards further along the trail, he braved a withering hail of enemy mortar (http://www.leatherneck.com/wiki/Mortar_%28weapon%29) and small-arms fire to continue onward. As he reached the position where the leading Marines had fallen, he was suddenly confronted with a bold frontal attack by 30 to 40 enemy. Totally disregarding his own safety, he calmly established a position in the middle of the trail and raked the advancing enemy with devastating machine-gun fire. His weapon rendered ineffective, he picked up a submachine gun and, together with a pistol seized from a fallen comrade, continued his lethal fire until the enemy force had withdrawn. Having exhausted his ammunition except for a grenade (http://www.leatherneck.com/wiki/Hand_grenade) which he hurled at the enemy, he then rejoined his own platoon. Sergeant Pittman's daring initiative, bold fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty inflicted many enemy casualties, disrupted the enemy attack and saved the lives of many of his wounded comrades. His personal valor at grave risk to himself reflects the highest credit upon himself, the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service (http://www.leatherneck.com/wiki/United_States_Department_of_the_Navy).<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-CMOHC_0-0">[1] (http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/#cite_note-CMOHC-0)</sup>


:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

[josephd]

that citation of his is awesome!!...


Joe, that is so cool. I served with M/Sgt Pittman, when he was a S/Sgt, at El Toro in 1978.

There was a few other Marines there that had served under him later when he was a SSgt., Gunny, and MSgt. Said he was a true Marines Marine.

[oldtop]

I, too, serves with then SSgt Pittman at El Toro, from 1976 to 1978. Rick was my plt sgt. Never forget my first night at guard mount, we had a new pvt, also making his first guard mount, but this clown had just spent 30 days or so on mess duty. He was wearing the same, unwashed utilities that he had just spent mess duty wearing while assigned to the grease pit (yeah, he WAS a POS). I thought Pittman would kill him there and then..expecially when the turd told him to F... off when bi*ched out about his uniform and boots!!! Rick was one hell of a good ncoic, took good care of his people always.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Great stories! Keep 'em comin!

[sscjoe]

I, too, serves with then SSgt Pittman at El Toro, from 1976 to 1978. Rick was my plt sgt. Never forget my first night at guard mount, we had a new pvt, also making his first guard mount, but this clown had just spent 30 days or so on mess duty. He was wearing the same, unwashed utilities that he had just spent mess duty wearing while assigned to the grease pit (yeah, he WAS a POS). I thought Pittman would kill him there and then..expecially when the turd told him to F... off when bi*ched out about his uniform and boots!!! Rick was one hell of a good ncoic, took good care of his people always.

I came to El Toro in March of 1978 from Iwakuni and was assigned to S/Sgt Pittmans platoon. I remember being in awe of him every time he stood in front of me.

[3043pog]

My old barracks mate was the driver for General James Livingston. Anybody served w/ him? Had to be 1990-91 29 Palms

[Sgt Leprechaun]

He stood in front of me for BN (or was it Regimental?) CO's inspection at PI in 1982....and let me tell you, THAT was intimidating!

[oldtop]

I also served with Gen Livingston when he was at MARFORES before he retired.