The Pruitt's in World War II

PFC. WARREN  PRUITT

The 1^st Calvary Division In World War II

Complied by Major B. C. Wright
Division Historian
Copy write, 1947

By Bertram C. Wright

The History of the 1^st. Cavalry Division In World War II is dedicated to the memory of the brave fighting men of the division who moved in to kill the enemy and who gave their lives in battle.

THE ADMIRALTY CAMPAIGN

During the next few days troops continued their mop-up of Los Negros Island. By the end of March all enemy resistance there had been overcome, but only after some difficult fighting.

By 11 of March, attention was being focused on Manus Island, the main objective of the task force. The key to successful occupation of this island was the control of the area around Lorengau where the main Japanese defenses were concentrated. To support an operation against this area, forward artillery positions had to be selected and secured, the Division Commander decided. But Jo Luo and Hauwel Islands, and Bear Point, all in enemy territory, were chosen and reconnaissance teams from the 302^nd Reconnaissance Troop were organized to investigate them.

The patrols set forth, one going to Butjo Luo where it met no opposition; another to Bear Point which was found to be unoccupied but unsuitable for the desired purpose; and the third to Hauwel Island which proved to be a hornets nest.

The Hauwel Island Patrol, after making a thorough search, for an approach through the reefs surrounding the island, discovered a narrow channel near the western end. The channel was treacherous, weaving its way around the western end of the island and coming into a beach on the north side. The patrol landed on the beach and immediately pushed inland. The island was an coconut plantation and it showed signs of recent occupation because the under-brush was fairly well cleared.

After moving in about 100 yards, the patrol was suddenly engulfed in a withering cross-fire of rifles, machine guns, grenades, and mortars.

The patrol leader coolly disposed his patrol in the available cover, made a quick visual reconnaissance and an estimate of the situation and found that his position was precarious. His patrol was cut off from the beach and unable to go further inland. He had the information that he had been detailed to obtain and therefore decided to fight his way back to the beach, re-embark and return to headquarters. This action was made possible when Pfc. Warren Pruitt of Huntingdon, Tennessee, who had been wounded by shrapnel, retained his position and continued firing at the enemy positions. Detecting an enemy pillbox from which three machine guns were firing on his comrades, Pruitt advanced through the jungle to eliminate the strongpoint, thereby drawing the concentrated fire of the enemy weapons upon himself. Pruitt was killed but his gallant act permitted the patrol to withdraw to the beach.

Pfc. Warren Pruitt was awarded THE SILVER STAR, AND THE PURPLE HEART.

(NOTE: HE WAS FROM CARROLL COUNTY AND HIS NAME IS ON THE STONE AT BETHLEHEM CEMETERY BETWEEN MY GRANDDADDY JOHNSE PRUITT AND MY GRANDMOTHER'S NAME, ILA BEA PRUITT.  YOU SEE, HIS BODY DID NOT MAKE IT BACK FOR BURIAL.  HIS BODY WAS BURIED AT SEA OR JUST LISTED AS MIA.)

 
The two photos above are Thomas Pruitt  who served in WWII.
He is buried at Bethlehem Cemetery in Carroll Co. TN.

James Alfred Pruitt
Father of Alta Lynn Pruitt (Waugh)

Dossie Pruitt, WWII

Adkins Pruitt

Submitted byAlta Lynn Pruitt Waugh