MEDAL OF HONOR: Wounded 5x and Fought Back with Grenades | Ryan Pitts

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A veteran of Afghanistan, Staff Sergeant Ryan Pitts was awarded the Medal of Honor for his acts of valor during the Battle of Wanat. Here he reflects on his service, as well as the sacrifice of his brothers in arms who were crucial to his survival when he was wounded in combat.
Staff Sgt. Pitts' Medal of Honor Citation:
Sergeant Ryan M. Pitts distinguished himself by extraordinary acts of heroism at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Forward Observer in 2d Platoon, Chosen Company, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade, during combat operations against an armed enemy at Vehicle Patrol Base Kahler vicinity of Wanat Village, Kunar Province, Afghanistan on July 13, 2008. Early that morning, while Sergeant Pitts was providing perimeter security at Observation Post Topside, a well-organized Anti-Afghan Force consisting of over 200 members initiated a close proximity sustained and complex assault using accurate and intense rocket-propelled grenade, machine gun and small arms fire on Wanat Vehicle Patrol Base. An immediate wave of rocket-propelled grenade rounds engulfed the Observation Post wounding Sergeant Pitts and inflicting heavy casualties. Sergeant Pitts had been knocked to the ground and was bleeding heavily from shrapnel wounds to his arm and legs, but with incredible toughness and resolve, he subsequently took control of the observation post and returned fire on the enemy. As the enemy drew nearer, Sergeant Pitts threw grenades, holding them after the pin was pulled and the safety lever was released to allow a nearly immediate detonation on the hostile forces. Unable to stand on his own and near death because of the severity of his wounds and blood loss, Sergeant Pitts continued to lay suppressive fire until a two-man reinforcement team arrived. Sergeant Pitts quickly assisted them by giving up his main weapon and gathering ammunition all while continually lobbing fragmentary grenades until these were expended. At this point, Sergeant Pitts crawled to the northern position radio and described the situation to the command post as the enemy continued to try and isolate the Observation Post from the main Patrol Base. With the enemy close enough for him to hear their voices and with total disregard for his own life, Sergeant Pitts whispered in radio situation reports and conveyed information that the Command Post used to provide indirect fire support. Sergeant Pitts' courage, steadfast commitment to the defense of his unit and ability to fight while seriously wounded prevented the enemy from overrunning the observation post and capturing fallen American soldiers, and ultimately prevented the enemy from gaining fortified positions on higher ground from which to attack Wanat Vehicle Patrol Base. Sergeant Ryan M. Pitts' extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Company C, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade and the United States Army.
Recorded November 5, 2016.
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0:00 Intro
1:27 Airborne School
4:13 First Deployment to Afghanistan
12:07 Second Deployment to Afghanistan
13:24 The Attack
30:12 Receiving the Medal of Honor

[@americanveteranscenter]

Please subscribe to our channel so you don't miss future interviews with American heroes.

[@jamesmnoblesjr9062]

Trained 11 Bravo( Infantry) Learning this stuff was intimidating in itself. Never got to use it…..but still can if I must….

[@TheRawdawg]

@@jamesmnoblesjr9062 well than you know that............. If you ain't cav you ain't sh*t.lmao JK have a good day brothers.

[@georgerivera9220]

@@TheRawdawg Bravo Troop 1/17th Cavalry, 82D Airborne, Echo 2/503 PIR 173D Airborne Brigade (LRRP).

[@jamesmnoblesjr9062]

@@TheRawdawg Born in the back woods,raised by a bear,double bone jaw and 2 coats of hair,got cast iron balls and a blue steel rod, Cottonbalers by God

[@TheRawdawg]

@@jamesmnoblesjr9062 🤣👍

[@ericnitrous9247]

"The enemy has a say in every fight that you have." Great answer. Flying bullets kill. Many a great Warrior caught a sloppy bullet. This guy is clear and concise. Excellent attitude.

[@nobodyspecial7185]

In aviation we call it the golden bb.

[@musicvideos1586]

I was never ever ready when I got shot at..bullets or rpgs..pisses you off actually

[@Rikki0]

In Vietnam we said, "Don't worry about the bullet with your name on it. It's the one marked "To whom it may concern" that will get you.

[@sesameseedbar8853]

No difference between an aimed bullet and a stray bullet. Both can end you just the same.

[@bushwhackeddos.2703]

They fight especially hard in their own lands

[@bcask61]

Thank God our country can still produce men like this. The day when we can’t is when we are in trouble. Thank you Sgt. Pitts and your brothers in arms for helping secure the blessings of freedom for us all.

[@randallgoulet1550]

He secures corporate interest, not your freedumbz

[@jamesmccartney5731]

Take a long look around today at the young people we have now after the brainwashing in liberal ran schools in the US, there are no more brave kids

[@trimrug9310]

@@randallgoulet1550 op p

[@chickenfooker74]

With the likes of TikTok that day is coming very soon.

[@jizim8947]

Yes, HAIL SATAN 🤘

[@johnjackson4365]

Wow, not sure what to say. I never talked to Ryan before Wanat and honestly not after but heard about what he did before I got there. I was the Pathfinder Medic who stayed on ground after the first medivac arrived and left. I loaded the heros onto the bird and eventually left with them back to Jbad later. We came back the next morning and stayed for a few days until the pullout. I've thought alot about that mission but never expected to see this online. It's tuff. And I feel like it was a waste of good men for no reason. I'm happy to hear Ryan is good.

[@frederickorcutt9112]

It's never a waste laying down your life to save a fellow Soldier. The waste is the incompetence of the leadership in our country and our continued loyalty. I remember hearing about the extortion of funds we sent for infrastructure that ended up funding the Taliban. Paying for the bullets and RPG's raining down on our own boys. More Veteran politicians is what we need to ensure we are taken care of on the battlefield and also after our time in service. Never a waste.

[@johnjackson4365]

Let me clarify; we didn't need to be there. Chosen was weeks from going home and it was a high risk location for little to nothing gain. We all knew it. Everyone saw it coming the previous days leading up to that morning. Good men died, and then we left and never went back. That was the waste. And I blame the command and political players who made the decision to send us in under resourced. I was a SSG at Wanat. I knew the truth of the mission and it was like many others I was on over 5 1/2 years of combat duty. I honor those men we lost. I carried them to the helicopter. I carried them off in the body bags. So I have an opinion that's valid. I hope people understand my point of view.

[@frederickorcutt9112]

Tracking better your feeling on that now. We left the Taji Iraq prison in 2010 and not even a year later the AQI prisoners broke out due to the TOA to Iraqi forces. That felt like a failure of leadership more than waste but our time training Iraqi's felt like a waste. Seeing some of the ANG defect to the Taliban pissed me off so I can see a similar sentiment there. All those resources left was a complete failure by leadership. Lost guys to suicide and I'm sure the thought that the effort was a waste played into it which is why I always go against the word "waste" as a knee jerk reaction.

[@johnjackson4365]

I was in Tikrit in 2010-2011. I too remember that. It was my 4th tour there and thought it would be my last. Until ISIS in 14. That was my last, spent in Baghdad. We all have those feelings in retrospect. I just try to think about the good. When i can find it.

[@MrSumone]

@@frederickorcutt9112 I agree we need more veterans in office but not if they're gonna be like Dan Crenshaw.

[@jimjustice581]

Like most combat veterans, you have to pull the information out of him. He answers the questions without embellishments and awaits the next. His heroism is not on display, but his humility is. He recognizes his comrades for their courageous actions and downplays his part. We’re grateful for men like you and all of you who run toward the sound of gunfire. You stood toe-to-toe with an unseen enemy, in a literal fight to the death. And now you tell the stories we all want to hear. Thank you for your service, sir, and thanks to all our veterans.

[@dillonsagable]

Thats true, Trauma is hard to deal with let alone to talk about

[@dalebechtel8904]

Well said

[@dillonsagable]

Indeed

[@PeopleFindingPeaceWithGod]

So much appreciate the interviews on this channel of Vet with NO music playing in the background. Music is only a distraction when interviews are being conducted. THANKS!

[@almontepaolilli7531]

Great video.

[@slartybarfastb3648]

Absolutely correct about the 'music' so many channels overlay. The lack of music is usually far better than needless distraction in the attempt to create mood.

[@jameslow5536]

Amen.

[@harveybrown37]

In the Uk we call such background irritation , ‘piped muzac’

[@m.casaga]

@@slartybarfastb3648 p0pp0p

[@marioramos4150]

The interviewer is very good in allowing the interview to flow naturally and letting the interviewee mark the tone and pace. Infinite respect to Ryan himself, but also congrats to the interviewer, he knows just when/how to ask the good questions.

[@frankbutta9344]

This soldier’s recognition of his team members is fantastic! I hope he is still doing well. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@G_Machine_Joe]

It really is family.

[@dabossfraga9493]

I can see the pain in his eyes. This man is a very humble hero. I can see he is trying to make the best out of life but he is hurting. How do i know u may ask? Im a combat vet myself. God bless this man and the unit he served with.

[@christinawilson2667]

🙏🏻

[@73hornet]

My dad was a WWII combat vet. You sound like him. He always said as a combat vet you can always tell another combat vet. Could spot a fake a mile away ( this was before stolen valor was ever heard of ) He always referred to himself as a combat vet , never just a vet.

[@dabossfraga9493]

@@73hornet WWII combat Veterans will always be remembered as the Greatest Generation. They are all Heroes in my eyes.

[@hankkingsley9183]

@Troy It's def true that some people are more empathic than others. Some people cannot glean much from reading another person's microexpressions

[@dabossfraga9493]

@@hankkingsley9183 for sure brother

[@kennethprice5628]

I am a 68 yo Navy Veteran and would be honored to salute this man

[@Wakeup382]

Same here

[@danbreyfogle8486]

Most of us will never be tested in a situation like this. I am so pleased that there are soldiers like this and thank them for their service.

[@tbone6595]

If you disliked this video, there’s something wrong with you. Amazing story and amazing soldiers. Never forget the sacrifices men and women in uniform make for us. Love from Canada 🇨🇦

[@dominus6224]

Ah yes… “If you have different opinion then I do there’s something wrong with you”.

[@MultiHairypotter]

Well said t bone

[@hannotn]

How is killing people in another country helping anyone but US arms manufacturers?

[@Randomyoutubecommenter]

@@dominus6224 it’s not about having an opinion it’s about not being disrespectful to people who are willing to put their life on the line.

[@dominus6224]

@@Randomyoutubecommenter Disliking a video has nothing to do with respect. Funny enough you pretend they fought for freedom, even though they’re criminals. You respect criminals?

[@jamespenta7335]

When you watch a hero like Ryan give all the credit to his fellow soldiers and speak so humbly about his heroism it makes you proud to be an American and to be thankful there are protectors of our freedom.you are watching a true American hero.

[@DrewHop325]

U.S. Army Baby. Airborne all The Way... H.U.A.

[@zacharypeery4082]

I couldn't agree more. The Medal of Honor represents an idea of what this country stands for.

[@msven]

2-503 was my sister Battalion during that deployment. We were south in Paktika. When a deployment is over, everyone wants to say their unit had the hardest deployment. 2-503 had THREE Medals of Honor from that single deployment.

[@timf2279]

What a great person he is. Just a well rounded guy who really cares. Too bad we don't have more people like him in the world.

[@Cynsome1]

They’re out there, but yes, more would be awesome.

[@yousnoozeyouloze]

Too bad, they all went over the oceans to die in someone else's war. Mission accomplished!

[@timf2279]

@@yousnoozeyouloze They sent Haji's to see Allah at a kill rate of 25:1 so even better.

[@thomasfx3190]

What a terrific professional soldier, very impressive, articulate retelling of what im sure was his worst day in the Army. God speed.

[@TotallyNoCat]

Love how happy he is to be interviewed, happy people want to hear his story. Makes me happy.

[@tonyholt90]

Wow can't believe how level headed this guy is. So much respect, really important to remember the names of the guy who were with you 👍

[@karlchilders5420]

Ira (Israel Garcia) was a good man, and his sacrifice will NEVER be forgotten. C Company really took a beating in Afghanistan, but those men fought hard and kept the faith. They gave the enemy 100x what they received themselves... Warriors, every man.

[@RubyBandUSA]

is that referencing Ira Garcia? If so please tell about him

[@karlchilders5420]

@@RubyBandUSAyes, Israel (he went by Ira) Garcia. We flew that unit back and forth more than a few times, and flew them often enough to know some of their names. Iras reputation was one of a humble, compassionate man who had a wicked sense of humor and was a loyal friend. He didn't put up with any bullshit, but wasn't a jerk about it. He was a good squad leader whose men looked up to him personally and professionally. Along with the others who lost their lives in that battle in 2008, he distinguished himself by giving the last measure of devotion for his fellow soldiers, to protect and save THEM, not himself. His sacrifice did indeed save other men, including SSgt Pitts himself (and he will tell you this).

[@philbaillie2284]

Im so sorry for you all that the 20 + years fighting for Afghanistans "freedom" that it was all for nothing!!! You guys will never be forgoton. The governments of our contries should look after you guys so much better than they do. Im speachless now!

[@reallyhappenings5597]

Never say that. A generation of Afghan girls were educated. That may have a far-reaching and unpredictable impact. It was not a waste.

[@ralfhorne5559]

I have no words, as a vet myself this soldier as many MOH this guy is as humble as they get! great interview

[@jmp.t28b99]

Ryan Pitts is a credit to all of my/our fellow service men and women. He exemplifies the high level of training they all receive. I can only hope that the level of commitment and leadership is being instilled in all branches of service today. We must never lower our standards for the WOKE GENERATION or we will lose our next conflict.

[@toomeyeh1]

Humble warrior. Wish more service members were like this, not the chest thumping weirdos on social media. I see troops getting dragged *daily* in meme groups for posting cringe. And its usually warranted

[@pride293]

What do you know of woke? They'd probably fight too.

[@user-mp9rd4hg8b]

@@toomeyeh1 Yes, he doesn't do justice to his story. It's much more harrowing than he describes.

[@manp1039]

Hello.. I think what he did was great. I am wondering what did he do that was "above and beyond the call of duty", which is my understanding, has to be done to receive the "Congressional Medal of Honor"?

[@jmp.t28b99]

@@manp1039 I hope that no soldier ever has to depend on you in a firefight situation .

[@PeacelikeariverSR]

Such valour, such patriotism. Thank you God for these men.

[@ernestdougherty3162]

Talk about a hero and a hero is never going to tell you about all the good he did he's going to tell you about all the heroic things that everybody around him did thank you for your service

[@egon3072]

In peace and war I will never fail, Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere… I am Airborne! I volunteered as a parachutist, fully realizing the hazard of my chosen service and by my thoughts and actions will always uphold the prestige, honor and high esprit-de-corps of parachute troops. To Our Utmost 173rd The Herd

[@charlesmoore8445]

And you know the Marines are ready to rescue you. Semper Fi!

[@williamalexander1863]

@@charlesmoore8445 I respect the Hell out of Marines. Please don't disrespect Army paratroopers. Think the Marines want to go in alone without Army?

[@dukecraig2402]

@@williamalexander1863 Ask Mr Marine there who bailed out the Marine Corps on most of those south Pacific island's like Saipan and Pelilu, they couldn't take them so the Army had to come in and finish the fight. On Saipan it was the US Army that beat back the largest banzai charge in history, on Pelilu it was the US Army that the Marine's commanding general had to call in because Japanese resistance was too strong and they couldn't take it. The 8th Air Force alone in Europe lost more men than the Marine Corps did in all of WW2, in the Pacific ⅔rds of all the US personnel killed taking those island's was Army. They're just better at running their mouths and acting tough when there's a bunch of them like some gang in the streets.

[@sheiladove5114]

Mentions all of his brothers by name, class act and very humble. God bless

[@wisdomprepper]

Something I think that no civilian who has never served can relate to is how much your "coworkers" mean in the service. Notice how he KNOWS all of them. There just truly is no other environment like the military. SO much respect to this young man and all who have served!

[@jetobey5656]

For any of those who served, as the Staff Sergeant so honorably states, all of us too old or perhaps, just too physically disabled to volunteer, must be proud, yet deeply humbled by these wonderful American and similar Colalition soldiers who "took care of each of their brothers and sisters and those of us here at home." Now it may sound foolish, but at about age 65, I tried , though seriously disabled, to enlist as a "Non-extraction" sniper, providing my own rifle and at least the start of ammunition. I am an expert marksman far above the military's standard, and my good old scoped Winchester and I are good out to about 5/8ths of a mile. When I did do this offer, I felt that I had already lived a full life and could be useful without being a burden, the "Non extraction" aspect. The recruiter smiled and shared some time with me and very kindly declined the proposal, I assume because of my age, my poorly healed 5 level compression fractured spine. ( SPRINT CAR CRASHES ) and the exceptions I insisted upon, no boot camp, no AIT, no actual training. I knew well the consequences of what an old man alone, as a lone-wolf sniper, had to expect, but I had thought about that, believing that the young, our future, were more valuable than I. Crazy, I guess as a close friend Colonel, retired and a peer, with combat service in Iraq, warned me.

[@craighewitt3632]

I shoot "sub-half minute of angle" myself with the right Optics. That's key. That and TRAINING.

[@craighewitt3632]

And thanks for the attitude. They asked me why I wanted to enlist? I said "for the same reason that I get a lump in my throat when I see an American flag go by." "Oh" he said. Patriotism."

[@johnshields6852]

Thank you Ryan Pitts, your an American hero, I'm beyond grateful. 🇺🇸🙏

[@anonim6034]

American🙈

[@edwardh1591]

Thank you for your service

[@roytetwart]

Wow! What a quiet unassuming guy. So brave and yet, so modest. Thank you Sir for your service.

[@Ms2amores]

Amazing young man. Thank you for your service.

[@ravenshield7823]

His recognition of him mates was exactly what stuck out to me too. I really like that.

[@jobbins008]

I don’t know how he keeps it together recalling this chaotic and deadly event. I would be broken down.

[@hahahahaha7237]

when a combat vets voice starts wavering, you know it’s some real sh1t

[@forrestmosby7118]

Humble and a Gentleman….A Good Guy

[@carolinehobson7365]

He doesn’t take any credit. He’s so humble. I love him! He’s a true hero and soldier!!! God bless him, all our precious soldiers, past, present and future, and God bless America!!!

[@stevewilliams800]

Proud to be on the same team as this man ! Proud American at its finest!!!

[@Mekkachica]

Awesome interview from a humbled hero.

[@MisterRobicheaux]

Veterans like him are the reason why I would wish to be an american citizen. It means you're part of a very courageous community with some of the best veterans and soldiers on this planet. Sadly not everyone can live the american dream, so I just can dream of it. But I am thankful for him making the world a bit safer and not hesitating to risk his life to save others. This is a really rare mindset, most people would not run towards open gun fire. He did, he will be a war hero forever. Thank you Sir, you are inspiring millions of people around the world to be like you.

[@martyblack13]

I was Army Special Ops. These guys are really brave man proud of their courage!

[@markjohnson4643]

What Playstation did you serve on?😬

[@seabass3104]

😆

[@rovers141]

I'm not sure I would be able to keep it together and stay composed while telling this story, knowing that I'm only there because the man who saved my life didn't get to come home. And I know I wouldn't be able to say Jason Bogar's name without tearing up! I started reading more about this battle including an in-depth description of the medevac efforts. What those guys did to get the first round of critically wounded soldiers out of there was incredible. At first I thought "balls of steel, highly trained and professional, critical decision making skills...must have been PJ's", but I was wrong! They were regular Army medevacs, for lack of better of words. I hope they received the recognition they deserved that day!

[@urmantaqi3253]

Thank you sir for your service- you are a true hero and we are proud of your sacrifices and accomplishments. God Bless

[@Benedict-lately]

We may not always agree with our government but i'll always support our troops.I love & appreciate everyone of you for your sacrifice for keeping us safe protected & most importantly having our freedom!Any military personnel that may read this....regardless of when you served i want you to know i appreciate every single one of you & i can't express my thoughts enough on how much i love you guys especially everyone who paid the ultimate sacrifice....let's pray for them & their families.GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!❤🇺🇸

[@MoxieFirearms]

I imagine the call from the President went something like this: "Hello, Ryan? It's the President. How you doing? I was just going over your action report, mighty impressive son. You defiantly went above and beyond the call of duty. You certifiably showed the enemy what being "American tough" is all about. On behalf of the United States Government and all it's armed forces, I am awarding you the Congressional Medal of Honor. Congratulations son, you've earned it. You've made this nation proud. You've personally made me proud. Words can not describe the dept this country owes you and your unit. God bless you son. "

[@nicknameunavailable1926]

now imagine how a call from Trump would have sounded like !

[@carrolbrooks2143]

@@nicknameunavailable1926 I Bet That's Who He's Talking About, Biden Would Be Trying To Shake Hands With A Ghost!?!?

[@irisessex90]

Never forget those who protect this nation and the sacrifices they are willing to make. Thank you Sir for your service and all soldiers who serve.

[@elbertdulworth2379]

A Real Hero Thank You Sir. God Bless You and Your Family Respectfully Elbert

[@Beardog11]

God Bless you & your fellow troops for your service & heroism in an unbelievable fire fight.

[@Linda-qt8qk]

Praise god that Ryan survived. Thank you for your service Ryan. May god protect our troops.

[@alv4475]

He is the kind of man that makes this nation great. Great job airborne.

[@836dmar]

Wow! So humble and tells the story so well that we really don’t know exactly what he did for his buddies to put him in for this. Thanks so much, Ryan, your platoon, and all the support guys and gals!

[@BOOGiNS]

Lol wut

[@winstonchurchill3597]

Excellent point - he spent the majority of time telling what the guys around him did.

[@Blue_eye_devil]

Bro he's in a mental camel clutch. It's nothing to admire. His life is probably a living hell. We lose more soldiers to "being humble" than we do the enemy.

[@stevem9603]

Extremely intelligent, articulate and brave warrior! Well deserving of the Medal of Honor.

[@stevenjones1024]

There is no such medal as the Congressional Medal of Honor. It is simply the Medal of Honor. When are people going to learn this.

[@aaricamason02322]

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸Thank you for serving our Country, Ryan!!! You are courageous as you are beautiful. You are what this Country needs more of. More real men who are willing to stand up for their rights, be assertive, and take action when it comes to representing this Country properly. God bless you and your brothers to give you the will to see victory whatever any obstacle that may ever come your way.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@rongoldstein2689]

The valor that these men & women show is so inspiring and makes me so proud of our armed forces. Thank you for everything you do for us.

[@kevinbarry4325]

Lowell is a great city 40 miles north of Boston. It does not surprise me to see Ryan Pitts being from Lowell. We have the traditional Golden Gloves boxing tournament every January. Marciano,Hagler,Tyson all fought at the Golden Gloves.god bless you Ryan and thank you for your service and bravery!!!

[@DougCaldwell]

Great story by this warrior especially recognizing his fallen soldiers for which he wears the MOH in recognition of their ultimate sacrifice.

[@NotOnDrugs]

How in the hell are you verified with like 800 subs?

[@DougCaldwell]

@@NotOnDrugs Stirring profile photo and banner background on home page

[@RubyBandUSA]

Greg, another amazing interview and when you say at the end, "an amazing story, you tell it well" ... I would say the same about you. You are awesome.

[@damienhunt4264]

Medal of Honor winners are always so humble and generally from the working class. Basically,the complete opposite of the p...ks that send them to war.

[@828enigma6]

I have yet to hear a MOH recipient that said they deserved it. They ALWAYS say the men who served with them truely deserved the award more than they.

[@robertbandusky9565]

What a well spoken young hero! Consider a run for political office to help put this country on a correct direction 🇺🇸

[@nmartin5551]

Again, we put our troops on the low ground. But this man does a fantastic job of trying to honor his fellow soldiers, surviving and not. All deserving of honor. Outstanding.

[@ArmyStrongGangflu]

The fact that the question, "What do you do now?" is valid after a story like that is a shame.

[@mattkeith1180]

I found this channel last night and I can’t stop watching these stories.

[@goppledanger]

Having lived in or near Columbus GA (adjacent to Ft Benning), I had the privilege to DJ on post for many years at a small bar there. Ran karaoke twice a month where many of the young soldiers would come hang out and have a great time singing w their buddies. It was a great honor to help afford them some fun when they were stuck on post away from family. One of my best friends was in this battle of Wanat. The first time I hung out at his apt I saw the framed photos of 9 soldiers on his wall. I knew they were there for a reason, but I didn't ask why. Another friend told me about the battle of Wanat and I immediately gained a newfound respect for him. He never spoke of or bragged about his extraordinary efforts during that ambush to help save his brothers, and I still to this day haven't asked. I just know that there is something truly great about someone like him and I will always treasure our friendship.

[@Beasterdamus]

A must watch...thank you Ryan and all of your brothers in arms...RIP

[@brianwashburn4917]

Thank you for your service sir. And God bless those who helped and didn't return

[@wtpence4731]

What a Real soldier ! I Thank GOD for All the young men & women who serve So Bravely !

[@adriandacruz9018]

He sounds like a great guy to work with. Super positive and fun.

[@ronburke]

Here's an example of the quality and integrity that every young paratrooper should aspire to match, If they manage to be half as good as this man they'll be better than most.

[@johnreeves3246]

I'm from the UK and it's great to see guys like Ryan tell their story of extreme bravery with extreme humility. The people he was fighting are my enemies as well and I'm grateful there were brave soldier fighting not just for their comrades and country ... but for me also. Thanks Ryan

[@TinyFreya59]

To know that everyone else around you is dead, that you can only crawl, that ammunition is finite and that the enemy is less than 20 feet away from you and yet you STILL keep trying to help defend your brothers still under fire… THIS is why you receive the nation’s highest honor.

[@touchdownsallday4263]

Thank you for your service and dedication Ryan! My Dad was a Sgt with the 173rd Airborne in Vietnam and his company commander was Hugh Shelton. AATW🇺🇸

[@johncallis2119]

An incredible story of team work. 👏 Thank you for service 🙏 ❤️

[@frankhinkle5772]

Welcome home Ryan! What an enthusiastic guy talking about his "family" and all they did to save him. Where do we find such people?

[@donnaryan7598]

I appreciate all veterans for their courage and the bravery of choosing to be warriors. Thank you!

[@andrewaarons5058]

You deserve that ,the right man for the right time God Bless America and he was a blessing to America and forever will be

[@chuckgrigsby9664]

There are so many who also deserve the recognition, but I am so proud of this American Hero.

[@412encom]

I was in the same unit in Vicenza, Italy. Best unit ever loved it. Great leaders great unit

[@russclewley6945]

Thank you for your service your sacrifice.

[@geoffsmith76]

What a humble warrior! Thank you for your service and sacrifice soldier!

[@robertesposito9871]

A very level headed gentleman for what he’s been through, god bless him glad he made it home safe

[@davidhovey6045]

Amazing interview. Grateful we have men like you & your teammates. Sorry for the brothers you lost.🙏. God keep you & your family safe.

[@mitchellchancey9154]

What a great young man. And a true hero.Thank you for your sharing with us all.

[@serf_3115]

Fantastic interview, I really appreciate how it was conducted with dignity and honor. Ryan, much respect to you for what you did but more so how you honored everyone else who was there and their actions. Thank you sir.

[@ericlawrence8753]

Thank you for you service. This was an excellent presentation, showing the excellent training and working as a team.

[@Frankenbullet]

Thank you for your service, Ryan.

[@chrisr326]

What a great guy... Absolutely positive person. Thank you !

[@jcarne1015]

Thank you for the awesome interview, Ryan.

[@cam0875]

The happiness on his face on the final question about his buddies, really shows thats all he cares about

[@nickpohl6440]

Thank You for your service sir. People like you is the reason why we stand tall.

[@rdb8509]

Amazing men! Very inspiring. Thank you all for your service!

[@lukesolsbery8258]

Sir Thank you for sharing your story, and even more so, thank you for existing.

[@reddiver7293]

Like other MOH warriors, Ryan is extremely modest about his exceptional courage under fire. In addition, his answers were very thoughtful and balanced. Especially when asked about his feelings regarding if US efforts would allow Afghans to fight the Taliban on their own. Not a yes or a no, "That's the the intent, that's the goal," (forgive me if this is not verbatim) was diplomatic in the extreme. And so appropriate from the viewpoint of someone with boots on the ground. A soldier, not a politician. Mr. Pitts, much respect and sincere gratitude, sir.

[@Former11b]

Glad to hear he got taken care of Medically. I spent a week in the ICU in baghdad/ 10th CSH and returned to duty for another seven months. Lingering health issues, another deployment and almost eight more years, my med board was difficult and a fight the entire time. Now the VA doesn’t want to do anything and the one civilian specialty doctor nearby refuses to work on my back.

[@angrybear86]

Atrocious. I'm so sorry to hear. I wish u had more options. Thank you for your service

[@ksagstertohi6156]

Sounds like it’s time to man up, Solider. The Pitty Party is about wrapped up…you don’t need to leave, but you can’t stay here. Thank you so much for you service and sacrifice. We all owe you a debt of gratitude. Now stop the Boo-Hoo and figure it out. You and your fellow soldiers are the true Hero’s of this Country. Wish there more more like you out there. Now quit the crying and stop being such a little Bitch. May The Lord watch over you and protect your Family. We all have our problems and everyone suffers so get over it. God Speed, my friend.

[@susandalton7889]

Please don't give up! Try your state Department of Veterans Affairs, if you have one. There's also Disabled American Veterans, The American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. It took me years to get the benefits I deserved from military service. Frankly, some of those sob's probably want people like us to give up, so you have to be bound and determined to win!

[@walterquick8649]

Navy is worse, 20 years plus. 150 a month. lol

[@johnabbott3896]

Get your Congressman involved....

[@adama5668]

when we say we lose blood and treasure in foreign wars-part of the treasure we lose is the young we never get to see again and never get to add to society. Grateful for warriors like this who understand what he wears.

[@danielrodger6016]

These people do not see soliders as treasure i assure you. Although it is noble to fight for your country it isnt noble in wars thousands of miles away to an 'enemy' that is no threat to you or country in some far away desert. Seems to be a lot of brainwashing getting people to become soliders be proud and die for some foreign banking or oil precious metals agenda.. not so brave that though is it 😉

[@williamalexander1863]

Thank you for your Service! My son went to Ft. Sill. He's a 68 Wisky in the 82nd. I'm very proud of him!

[@chrisnnh]

So many emotions when I watch this young man. Proud of them, so proud. This is someone I’d like to meet, to know, to introduce to my children. Upset with what they had to do, and why. Contempt for the political system, and the people who use our sons and daughters for personal gain and profit. Hopeful that we will find other ways to resolve our differences between nations, systems and experiences. Determined to stay involved and continue to emulate his example, in the ways I can, to help our country. “What else can I do? Where else can I help out. What’s my next job?” Those questions motivated him, they should motivate all of us today. If we’re ever going to be proud of our country it’s going to take all of us doing what he did every day.

[@spockspock]

Great interview. The Vet’s Center is a wonderful organization.

[@bradleykrimm8840]

I thank the veterans that share their stories on here, I know it can't be easy remembering the tragic events but it paints a better picture for us civilians to understand what war is like and intern we better understand what vets are going through when they come home.

[@stanlogan7504]

What a Soldier and all of his team!