T5 John J. Pinder, Jr.
16th Infantry Regiment
Rank and organization: T5 Grade, U.S. Army, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Colleville-sur-Mer, France, 6 June 1944.
General Orders  No.: 1, 4 January 1945.

Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, near
Colleville-sur-Mer, France. On D-day, Technician 5th Grade Pinder landed on the coast 100 yards off shore
under devastating enemy machinegun and artillery fire, which caused severe casualties among the boatload.
Carrying a vitally important radio, he struggled towards shore in waist-deep water. Only a few yards from his
craft he was hit by enemy fire and was gravely wounded. Technician 5th Grade Pinder never stopped. He made
shore and delivered the radio. Refusing to take cover afforded, or to accept medical attention for his wounds,
Technician 5th Grade Pinder, though terribly weakened by loss of blood and in fierce pain, on 3 occasions went
into the fire-swept surf to salvage communication equipment. He recovered many vital parts and equipment,
including another workable radio. On the 3rd trip he was again hit, suffering machinegun bullet wounds in the
legs. Still this valiant soldier would not stop for rest or medical attention. Remaining exposed to 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 5th Grade Pinder was a magnificent inspiration to the men with whom he served.
K.I.A