Ryan M. Pitts is a former United States Army soldier and a distinguished recipient of the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award for valor. His name is etched in the annals of military history for his extraordinary heroism during the War in Afghanistan, specifically at the Battle of Wanat in 2008. Pitts’ actions on that fateful day, where he single-handedly defended his position against a much larger enemy force despite being critically wounded, have become a symbol of courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to his comrades. After his military career, Ryan Pitts transitioned to civilian life, earning a degree in business and embarking on a successful career in the corporate world, all while remaining a staunch advocate for veterans and their families. He continues to share his story, not for personal acclaim, but to honor the memory of his fallen brothers in arms and to inspire others with the values of service and sacrifice.
Ryan Pitts Overview
| Full Name | Ryan Michael Pitts |
| Date of Birth | October 1, 1985 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 40 |
| Birthplace | Lowell, Massachusetts |
| Profession | Former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant, Medal of Honor Recipient, Business Development Professional |
| Husband/Wife | Amy Pitts |
| Family | Son – Lucas Pitts |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Not publicly available |
| Net Worth | Information not publicly available |
Early Life and Education of Ryan Pitts
Ryan Michael Pitts was born on October 1, 1985, in Lowell, Massachusetts, and spent his formative years growing up in Southern New Hampshire. From a young age, Pitts exhibited a desire to serve, expressing an interest in joining the Army as early as kindergarten. He grew up in various New England towns, including Mont Vernon, New Hampshire. By his own account, he was not a particularly athletic child and was unsure of his path after high school. Concerned about the financial burden of college on his family, he saw the military as a viable and honorable alternative. In 2003, at the age of 17 and still a high school senior at Souhegan High School, Pitts made the life-altering decision to enlist in the United States Army under the delayed entry program. This choice set him on a trajectory that would test his limits and ultimately define his legacy. After his military service, Pitts pursued higher education, demonstrating the same determination he had on the battlefield. He enrolled at the University of New Hampshire at Manchester and successfully earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business.
Ryan Pitts’s Career
Ryan Pitts’s military career began in 2003 with his enlistment in the U.S. Army. He attended One Station Unit Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he was trained as a forward observer. Following his initial training, he attended the U.S. Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. His first assignment was as a radio telephone operator with the 4th Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, stationed at Camp Ederle in Italy from 2004 to 2005. He would remain with the 173rd Airborne Brigade for the duration of his service, later being assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment. Pitts’s time in the Army was marked by two deployments to Afghanistan. His first tour was for 12 months in 2005. His second, and final, deployment began in 2007 and was a grueling 15-month tour. It was during this second deployment that Pitts’s courage would be tested in one of the most intense battles of the war.
On July 13, 2008, then-Sergeant Pitts was serving as a forward observer at Vehicle Patrol Base Kahler, near the village of Wanat in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. Early that morning, a force of over 200 well-organized insurgents launched a coordinated and ferocious attack on the base, which was manned by only 49 Americans. Pitts was positioned at Observation Post Topside, an elevated position providing security for the main base. The initial wave of the assault consisted of a barrage of rocket-propelled grenades that engulfed the observation post, inflicting heavy casualties and severely wounding Pitts with shrapnel in his arms and legs. Despite his grievous injuries and significant blood loss, Pitts demonstrated incredible resolve. Finding himself alone and with all other soldiers at the post either killed or wounded, he took control of the position and returned fire on the advancing enemy. As the insurgents drew closer, he began “cooking off” grenades—pulling the pin and holding the lever to allow for a near-immediate detonation upon throwing them, a dangerous but effective tactic to prevent the enemy from throwing them back. Unable to stand, he continued to lay down suppressive fire, crawling to different positions to engage the enemy and whisper crucial situation reports over the radio, which allowed the command post to direct indirect fire support. His actions were instrumental in preventing the observation post from being overrun and the bodies of his fallen comrades from being captured. His steadfast defense continued until a two-man reinforcement team arrived, at which point he gave them his main weapon and continued to support the defense by throwing his remaining grenades. For his extraordinary acts of heroism at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, Ryan Pitts was awarded the Medal of Honor. The award was presented to him by President Barack Obama in a ceremony at the White House on July 21, 2014. Pitts was the ninth living recipient of the Medal of Honor for actions in the War in Afghanistan.
Ryan Pitts was medically discharged from the Army in 2009 at the rank of Staff Sergeant. Following his military service, he transitioned to a civilian career in business development, where he has worked for companies such as Oracle. He has also become a sought-after public speaker, sharing his experiences and insights on leadership, teamwork, and resilience.
Ryan Pitts Personal Life & Family
Ryan Pitts is known to be a private individual who generally shies away from the limelight that has followed his heroic actions. He is married to Amy Pitts, and together they have a son named Lucas. The family resides in Nashua, New Hampshire. Pitts has spoken about the crucial role his wife played in his transition back to civilian life and in encouraging him to seek help for the invisible wounds of war. He has emphasized that his family is his priority. In interviews, Pitts has mentioned coming from an honest, blue-collar family and that his parents would have done anything to support his education. Beyond his immediate family, Pitts maintains a deep and abiding connection with the soldiers he served alongside, considering them to be his brothers. He has made it a central part of his life’s mission to honor the nine soldiers who were killed in the Battle of Wanat, stating that the Medal of Honor belongs to all of them.
Awards and Achievements of Ryan Pitts
- Medal of Honor
- Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device
- Purple Heart
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Army Commendation Medal with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
- Army Achievement Medal
- Army Good Conduct Medal with Bronze Clasp and two Loops
- National Defense Service Medal
- Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Two Campaign Stars
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon
- Army Service Ribbon
- Overseas Service Ribbon with Numeral “4”
- NATO Medal
- Presidential Unit Citation
- Valorous Unit Award
- Combat Action Badge
- Pathfinder Badge
- Parachutist Badge
Ryan Pitts Net Worth and Income
Information regarding Ryan Pitts’s net worth and specific income is not publicly available. As a private citizen, he has not disclosed these financial details. His income is derived from his career in business development and from public speaking engagements.
Legacy and Influence
Ryan Pitts’s legacy is one of profound courage, humility, and selfless service. His actions at the Battle of Wanat are a testament to the incredible resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds. He is often cited as an example of the highest ideals of the American soldier. However, Pitts himself has consistently deflected individual praise, emphasizing that his actions were part of a team effort and that the true heroes are the nine men who made the ultimate sacrifice that day. This humility has become a hallmark of his public persona. In his post-military life, Pitts has dedicated himself to honoring the memory of his fallen comrades and advocating for veterans’ welfare. He is actively involved with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, working to promote character development and inspire future generations. Through his public speaking engagements and his work with organizations like Hiring Our Heroes, he shares powerful messages about leadership, the importance of teamwork, and the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life. His influence extends beyond the military community, as he has become a respected voice on the subjects of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring bonds of brotherhood forged in combat.
Interesting Facts about Ryan Pitts
- He enlisted in the Army at the age of 17, before he had even graduated from high school.
- He is the third recipient of the Medal of Honor from the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, for service in Afghanistan, along with Salvatore Giunta and Kyle J. White.
- During the Battle of Wanat, the enemy was so close that he could hear their voices while he was whispering situation reports into his radio.
- He is an avid fan of the New England Patriots and has been honored by the team as part of their “Salute to Service” campaign.
- He is involved in his community as a youth football coach for his son’s team.
- He was initially hesitant to accept the Medal of Honor, feeling that he did not deserve it and that it belonged to the entire unit.
Controversies
There are no publicly known controversies associated with Ryan Pitts. He has maintained a reputation for integrity, humility, and dedication to his fellow service members.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Not publicly available
- Twitter – Not publicly available
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Final Words about Ryan Pitts
Ryan Pitts’s story is one of a young man who, when faced with an unimaginable crisis, rose to the occasion with extraordinary valor. His journey from a teenager uncertain of his future to a Medal of Honor recipient and respected veteran advocate is a powerful narrative of service and sacrifice. While he is celebrated as a national hero, Pitts remains grounded in his commitment to honoring the memories of his fallen brothers and supporting the veteran community. He has successfully transitioned into a fulfilling civilian life with a career in business and a loving family, yet he continues to carry the weight and responsibility of his experiences with grace and humility. Ryan Pitts’s legacy will undoubtedly endure, not just for the incredible bravery he displayed on a remote hilltop in Afghanistan, but for the quiet dignity and unwavering dedication with which he has lived his life ever since. He stands as a powerful reminder of the profound bonds of brotherhood forged in war and the incredible strength of the American soldier.
