In 1966, Pitts was stationed in Vietnam. He served as an information officer until he was transferred to a combat unit. Then, as a captain, he took command of C Company "Wolfhounds", 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.
On October 31, 1967, 48 years ago today, just one month short of rotating back to the states, his unit was tasked with re-enforcing another unit which was heavily engaged with against a strong Viet Cong force near Ap Dong, South Vietnam. What followed was a show of leadership by Captain Pitts that would overrun many enemy positions, save several of his men's lives and ultimately cost him his own. For his actions that day, he would be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
During the Medal presentation ceremony, President Johnson had this to say:
This is a moment touched with sorrow and splendor. Captain Riley L. Pitts, who earned his Nation's Medal of Honor, is with us no more--and grief burdens the hearts of all of us in this room. But what this man did in an hour of incredible courage will live in the story of America as long as America endures--as he will live in the hearts and memories of those who loved him. He was a brave man, and leader of men. No greater thing could be said of any man. His valor under fire moved him forever into that select company where the heroes of our history stand. His sacrifice was for us all. His countrymen, and all who live in freedom, will be indebted to him for all of freedom's days. It is with a heavy heart but a proud one that I present this Medal to Mrs. Pitts and to the children of this great and good American whom we remember and honor today.
The Medal citation reads:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor, posthumously, to
CAPTAIN RILEY L. PITTS UNITED STATES ARMY
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:Captain Riley L. Pitts, Infantry, United States Army, distinguished himself by exceptional heroism while serving as Company Commander of Company C, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry, during an airmobile assault in the vicinity of Ap Dong, Republic of Vietnam, on 31 October 1967. Immediately after his company landed in the area, several Viet Cong opened fire with automatic weapons. Despite the enemy fire, Captain Pitts forcefully led an assault which overran the enemy positions. Shortly thereafter, Captain Pitts was ordered to move his unit to the north to reinforce another company heavily engaged against a strong enemy force. As Captain Pitts' company moved forward to engage the enemy, intense fire was received from three directions, including fire from four enemy bunkers, two of which were within 15 meters of Captain Pitts' position. The severity of the incoming fire prevented Captain Pitts from maneuvering his company. His rifle fire proving ineffective against the enemy due to the dense jungle foliage, he picked up an M-79 grenade launcher and began pinpointing the targets. Seizing a Chinese Communist grenade which had been taken from a captured Viet Cong's web gear, Captain Pitts lobbed the grenade at a bunker to his front, but it hit the dense jungle foliage and rebounded. Without hesitation, Captain Pitts threw himself on top of the grenade which, fortunately, failed to explode. Captain Pitts then directed the repositioning of the company to permit friendly artillery to be fired. Upon completion of the artillery fire mission, Captain Pitts again led his men toward the enemy positions, personally killing at least one more Viet Cong. The jungle growth still prevented effective fire to be placed on the enemy bunkers. Captain Pitts, displaying complete disregard for his life and personal safety, quickly moved to a position which permitted him to place effective fire on the enemy. He maintained a continuous fire, pinpointing the enemy's fortified positions, while at the same time directing and urging his men forward, until he was mortally wounded. Captain Pitts' conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism, and intrepidity at the cost of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the armed forces of his country.
Captain Pitts is survived by his wife, Eula, his daughter Stacie and son, Mark.
In addition to the Medal of Honor, he was also awarded a Silver Star and several other medals. He is very fondly remembered by those who served with and knew him. There is no doubt that he was an outstanding soldier, but it is very apparent that he was also a great husband, father and friend.
He also happens to be the first African-American officer to have been awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War. Many different structures and locations were named and dedicated in his honor.
Among many remembrances posted to Captain Pitts, the following was written by someone who was right there beside him in the action that day.
Cpt Riley L. Pitts received the Congressional Medal Of Honor that he so richly deserved.I felt it important to tell this story because is an accurate accounting of a man who must be remembered for his heroic actions. He represents the very best that the proud 25th Inf Div and 'Wolfhounds' in particular had to offer and I am genuinely proud that I knew this man because he has forever touched my life.My name is Steven M. Glisan, LTC (Ret)
Another had this to say:
I served as his Field First Sergeant until Sep 67. I regret that I rotated a month before he fell in battle. He always was more concerned for the welfare of his troops than for his own safety. He was a great inspiration for all who were privileged to serve with him, the model of a fine soldier and man. Charles Welby Green, PSG, US Army (Ret)
We remember an outstanding soldier and a wonderful human being today. It has been 48 years since you walked among us Captain, but your spirit and legacy are with us every bit as much today as they ever were.
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