James Richard Pitts

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose A. "Andy" Chacon on November 3, 2006:

James Richard Pitts James Richard "Jim" Pitts was born in California on 23 July 1929 and received a Son of a Deceased Veteran Presidential appointment to West Point in 1947. His classmates had a good deal to say about Jim, it reads: "Conqueror of the academic system, connoisseur of fine liquors and beautiful women, instigator of the inevitable rat-race ? that's Jim. Coming from an Air Force family, Jim made an Air Force commission his goal, and while never neglecting the lighter side of cadet life, he never forgot his aim. His top notch athletic ability, unequalled humor, and loyalty to the OAO, gains Jim the admiration and respect of his classmates." Jim played LaCrosse all four years and Goat Football his cow year. He was a member of the Howitzer; Chess, Radio, and Model Railroad Clubs, and was a Cadet Sergeant his first class year and served as Regimental Supply Sergeant. Unfortunately, the Air Force slots were all gone by the time Jim stepped up on the branch selection line, so he went in the Artillery. After attending the Basic Artillery Course at The Artillery School, Fort Sill, Oklahoma he stayed on the Staff & Faculty through 1952. Jim then was assigned to the 21st Field Artillery Battalion, 5th Division in Germany where he served through 1955. In 1959 Jim was assigned to Reserve Officers Training Corps at the Oregon State University where he served until 1962. Next Jim went with the Military Assistance Advisory Group, Republic of Vietnam and served from 1962 to 1963. He was decorated with Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against an enemy; the Combat Infantryman Badge; the Air Medal for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight; and the Commendation Medal for distinguished service. On return to state-side Jim was assigned to Headquarters, 18 Airborne Corps where he served from 1963 to 1966. He then attended the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas in 1966. Jim's last military assignment was to Headquarters, North Baden District of Germany where he served from 1967 until 1971 when he retired in the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Jim makes his home in Pleasanton, California.

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