President to Award Ryan Pitts the Medal of Honor

President Obama on Monday will award Ryan Pitts, a former Army Staff Sergeant now living in Nashua, the Medal of Honor for "conspicuous gallantry" in combat in Afghanistan in 2008.

"Staff Sergeant Pitts will be the ninth living recipient to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan. He and his family will join the President at the White House to commemorate his example of selfless service," the White House said in announcing the July 21 ceremony, which Gov. Maggie Hassan will also attend.

Pitts will be honored for his courageous actions while serving as a Forward Observer with 2nd Platoon, Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, during combat operations at Vehicle Patrol Base Kahler, in the vicinity of Wanat Village in Kunar Province, Afghanistan on July 13, 2008.

Hassan noted that Pitts showed courage, valor and sacrifice and saved lives, despite suffering serious wounds during the battle.

After his military discharge, Pitts graduated with honors from the University of New Hampshire with a business degree.

The White House ceremony is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. on July 21.

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Sgt. Ryan Pitts of Nashua to be Awarded Medal of Honor