Riley Leroy Pitts
(October 15, 1937 – October 31, 1967)
He was a distinguished United States Army captain, known for his remarkable achievements and service. He made history as the first African-American officer to be awarded the prestigious Medal of Honor, which was posthumously presented to him by President Lyndon B. Johnson on December 10, 1968, in recognition of his valorous actions in Ap Dong, Republic of Vietnam.
Early Life and Education: Born in Fallis, Oklahoma, Riley Leroy Pitts embarked on his journey in a humble setting. He pursued higher education at Wichita State University, where he dedicated himself to the field of journalism. His academic pursuits culminated in his graduation in 1960. In addition to his educational endeavors, Pitts was a loving husband to Eula Mae Pitts and a proud father to their children, Stacie and Mark. He balanced his family life with employment at Boeing, showcasing his commitment to both his career and loved ones.
Remarkably, his son, Mark, later became actively involved in the organization “Sons and Daughters In Touch,” which has taken him to Vietnam to pay tribute to his father’s memory. The final resting place of Riley Leroy Pitts is in Hillcrest Memory Gardens, Spencer, Oklahoma.
Military Career: Riley Leroy Pitts embarked on his military journey after being commissioned as an officer in the United States Army. In December 1966, he was deployed to Vietnam, where he carried with him seven years of dedicated service in the Army.
In Vietnam, Pitts initially served as an information officer before being transferred to a combat unit. Holding the rank of Captain, he assumed command of Company C, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. His moment of extraordinary valor came on October 31, 1967, merely a month away from his scheduled return home.
On that fateful day, his unit was called upon to reinforce another company heavily engaged against a formidable enemy force. Landing in an airmobile assault near Ap Dong, Binh Duong Province, the situation quickly escalated as Viet Cong fighters opened fire with automatic weapons. Captain Pitts displayed remarkable leadership, leading a courageous assault that overran the enemy positions. Subsequently, he received orders to move north and reinforce another company, which was locked in a fierce battle against a strong enemy force.
As Captain Pitts’ company advanced, they encountered intense fire from three directions, including four well-fortified bunkers, two of which were positioned within a mere 15 meters of their location. Realizing the ineffectiveness of his rifle fire due to the dense foliage, Pitts made a critical decision. He picked up an M79 grenade launcher and began precisely targeting the enemy positions. In a moment of exceptional bravery, he threw himself on top of a grenade after it rebounded from striking the foliage. Miraculously, the grenade failed to explode.
Undeterred and displaying unwavering commitment, Pitts directed the repositioning of his company to facilitate the firing of friendly artillery. Following the completion of the fire mission, he continued to lead his men towards the enemy positions, personally eliminating at least one more Viet Cong fighter. His actions demonstrated complete disregard for his own safety, as he maintained continuous fire, accurately pinpointing the enemy’s fortified positions. Tragically, Captain Riley Leroy Pitts was mortally wounded during this heroic engagement.
Honors: Riley Leroy Pitts’ legacy continues to be honored and celebrated in various ways. Post No. GR07 of The American Legion, Department of France, located in Wiesbaden, Germany, is named in his memory.
Pitts Park in Oklahoma City is a lasting tribute, named in his honor to ensure that his courageous deeds are never forgotten. Additionally, a mural depicting Pitts is set to be unveiled at Pitts Park on November 11, 2023, serving as a powerful and enduring reminder of his remarkable contributions and sacrifice for his country. Captain Riley Leroy Pitts’ unwavering bravery and dedication to duty continue to inspire and resonate in the hearts of many.