Charles Pitman (1935-2020) was born in Illinois in 1935 and enlisted in the Naval Reserve in 1952, later joining the Marines. As a Lieutenant Colonel, Pitman played a key role in ending the 1973 mass shooting incident in New Orleans by commandeering a military helicopter to assist the local police force in subduing a sniper who had targeted the civilian populace of New Orleans. In 1980, Pitman was called to assist the newly created Delta Force in training helicopter pilots for Operation Eagle Claw-the United States' covert mission to rescue American hostages held within the Embassy in Iran. Pitman’s final assignment was as Deputy Commandant for Aviation. Charles Pitman retired in 1990 as a Lieutenant General after 38 years of service. Pitman died in 2020 and is buried in the National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico (Section 30, Site 609).

CHARLES HENRY PITMAN

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DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL

SILVER STAR

DEFENSE SUPERIOR SERVICE MEDAL

LEGION OF MERIT

DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

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NAVY COMMENDATION MEDAL

US MARINE CORPS,

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