Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Ship’s Cook 3rd Class

Unit:

U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)

Awarded on:

August 1943

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving on board the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action against the enemy during the operations of the U.S. Naval Forces north of the Santa Cruz, Islands, on 26 October 1942. When a heavy bomb exploded near him while on duty in the ammunition handling room, Ship's Cook Third Class Pinckney was knocked unconscious and four of his five companions were killed. Regaining consciousness, he groped his way through burning wreckage to a hangar hatch, but as he was about to escape he found a shipmate struggling to get through. Unmindful of his own wounds or the smoke or fumes, Ship's Cook Third Class Pinckney lifted the man through before he himself battled his way out of the compartment. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 317 (August 1943).