WESTFIELD – Medal of Honor recipient Army Staff Sgt. Ryan M. Pitts visited Barnes Air National Guard Base on Wednesday.
Pitts received his Medal of Honor while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom, stationed in Afghanistan on July 13, 2008. Elements of Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade; Army engineers; Marine Corps Embedded Training Team mentors; and Afghan National Army conducted Operation “Rock Move,” in the Waygal Valley of northeastern Afghanistan. The operation was aimed at repositioning forces from Combat Outpost Bella to the outskirts of a village called Wanat, in order to disrupt militant trafficking in the Waygal Valley, and to set the stage for effective economic and security development in the region.
Pitts was wounded by grenade shrapnel in both legs and his left arm during an insurgence attack, and due to his heroic actions during that battle, he was recognized with the U.S. Medal of Honor, which is the United States of America’s highest military honor, awarded for personal acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty. The medal is awarded by the president of the United States in the name of the U. S. Congress to U.S. military personnel only.
During Pitts’ visit to the base, he was welcomed by the 104th Fighter Wing’s Commander, Col. James Keefe, and the Vice Commander, Col. Peter Green, as well as other senior leadership. Pitts was given the opportunity to fly in the F-15 Eagle, which he enjoyed a great deal. He then talked with unit members during a wing commander’s call that afternoon where he shared his military service story, and encouraged the crowd by stating the importance of teamwork, and being vigilant. His visit ended with a standing ovation from the unit members.
