PITTMAN-JACK

DECORATED  ACE  WHO  COMMENCED

CAREER  AS  ENLISTED  NAVAL  AVIATION  PILOT

Jack Pittman Jr., a Marine Corps Aviator, became an ace during World War II, credited with destroying seven Japanese aircraft during aerial combat.  Pittman began his Marine Corps service in 1942, and following flight training was designated as an Enlisted Naval Aviation Pilot (NAP) in November 1942 with the rate of TSGT.  Assigned as a NAP to Marine Fighting Squadron 221, he soon found himself engaged in combat in 1943 as a fighter pilot against the Japanese, followed by assignments to several other fighter squadrons.  During the war he advanced to commissioned rank and was credited with shooting down seven aircraft, awarded four Distinguished Flying Cross Medals as well as eleven Air Medals for his achievements.  Following World War II, Pittman remained on active duty and participated in aerial combat in Korea.  Historical records reflect that by July 1957 he had transitioned to piloting helicopters, reportedly based at Camp Pendleton in California.  Records reflect he retired from the Marine Corps in 1962.  Unfortunately, on April 12, 1966, he was killed in an air crash in the Grand Canyon while piloting a civilian helicopter.  He is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego where his grave marker carries the inscription:  CAPT – US MARINE CORPS – DFC & 3GS – AM & 10GS.  He was survived by his wife living in San Diego.

Submitted by CDR Roy A. Mosteller, USNR (Ret)