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Rank and organization: Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army, 16th Infantry,
1st Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Colleville-sur-Mer, France,
6 June 1944.
Entered service at:
Burgettstown, Pa. Birth: McKees Rocks,
Pa. G.O. 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.
This data was extracted from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. Senate, Medal of Honor Recipients: 1863-1973 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1973)
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