6 June 1912 – 6 June 1944

Hometown

Burgettstown, Pennsylvania

Service number

33146164

Rank

Technician Fifth Grade

Unit

Headquarters Company, 16th Infantry Regiment

Award(s)

Medal of Honor, Bronze Star Medal

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Citation: By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved 9 July 1918 (Bull. 43, WD, 1918), a Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously by the War Department in the name of Congress to Technician Fifth Grade John J. Pinder, Jr. (Army serial No. 33146164), Headquarters Company, 16th Infantry, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944 near Colleville-sur-Mer, France. On D-Day Technician Pinder landed on the coast 100 yards offshore under devastating enemy machine-gun and artillery fire which caused severe casualties among the boatload. Carrying a vitally important radio, he struggled toward shore in waist-deep water. Only a few yards from his craft he was hit by enemy fire and was gravely wounded. Technician Pinder never stopped. He reached shore and delivered the radio. Refusing to take cover afforded, or to accept medical attention for his wounds, Technician Pinder, though terribly weakened by loss of blood and in fierce pain, went into the fire-swept surf on three occasions to salvage communication equipment. He recovered many vital parts and equipment, including another workable radio. On the third trip he was again hit, suffering severe machine-gun wounds in the leg. Still this valiant soldier would not stop for rest or medical attention. Remaining exposed to the 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 Pinder were a magnificent Inspiration to the men with whom he served.

Citation: Under the provisions of AR 600-45, 22 September 1943, as amended, and in accordance with authority contained in paragraph 4, Section I, Circular 2, Headquarters First U.S. Army, 4 January 1945, John J. Pinder, Jr., 33146164, Technician Fifth Grade (then Private First Class), Headquarters Company, 16th Infantry, is posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Gangi, Sicily, 23 July 1943. Courageously remaining at an exposed observation post under severe artillery and mortar bombardment, Corporal Pinder transmitted valuable tactical information to a regimental command post. His heroic devotion to duty was instrumental in capture of an important objective. Residence at enlistment: Burgettstown, Pennsylvania. Next of kin: Mr. John J. Pinder, Sr., Father, Route 1, Burgettstown, Pennsylvania.