Dana J. H. Pittard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dana J. H. Pittard
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Dana Pittard in 2013
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| Born | March 11, 1959 Okinawa, Japan |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1981–2015 |
| Rank | Major general |
| Commands held | 1st Armored Division Iraq Assistance Group 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | Gulf War Operation Inherent Resolve |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal (2) Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star Medal (4) |
Dana James Hillian Pittard (born March 11, 1959) is a retired United States Army general officer. A general officer is one of the highest ranks in the military. He served as a leader in Iraq during the fight against the group known as ISIS.
Before retiring in 2015, Pittard was the deputy commanding general for the U.S. Central Command/Third Army, based in Kuwait. He also commanded the famous 1st Armored Division and the large army post of Fort Bliss in Texas.
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Early Life and Schooling
Pittard was born in Okinawa, Japan, because his father was a U.S. Army soldier stationed there. He grew up in El Paso, Texas, and went to Eastwood High School. As a boy, he lived at Fort Bliss, the same army post he would later command.
For his education, Pittard went to the famous United States Military Academy at West Point. He also earned a master's degree from the United States Army School of Advanced Military Studies. Later, he studied national security at Harvard University.
A Long Military Career
Pittard began his army career in 1981 as an armor officer, which means he worked with tanks. His first assignment was with the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas. There, he led a tank platoon.
Over the years, he held many different jobs. He served in Germany, where he commanded troops in the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. He also led a company in the Berlin Brigade.
Serving in Combat
In 1990, Pittard commanded a tank company that fought in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. After the war, he returned to Germany and later served at Fort Hood, Texas.
From 1996 to 1999, he had a special job as a military aide to President Bill Clinton. This means he assisted the president with military matters.
In 2002, he took command of the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division. He led this unit in Kosovo and later in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Leadership Roles
Pittard became known for his strong leadership. In 2006, he commanded the Iraq Assistance Group, which helped train and support Iraqi forces. He later became the commander of the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California.
In 2010, he took command of Fort Bliss, Texas. A year later, he also became the commander of the 1st Armored Division, which is based there. In 2014, he was sent to Baghdad, Iraq, to lead the first American forces in the fight against ISIS.
Pittard's official retirement ceremony was held on September 30, 2015, after more than 30 years of service.
Helping Soldiers' Well-Being
While commanding Fort Bliss, Pittard focused on helping soldiers with their mental health. Under his leadership, the post created programs to support soldiers and their families. For this work, Fort Bliss won an award for its excellent suicide prevention programs in 2012. The programs he started were later used at other army bases.
Awards and Honors
Pittard has received many awards for his service and bravery.
 Combat Action Badge |
 Basic Parachutist Badge |
 Air Assault Badge |
 Ranger Tab |
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 Defense Superior Service Medal |
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 Defense Meritorious Service Medal |
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 Army Commendation Medal |
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 Presidential Service Badge |
He also received the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award for his outstanding leadership skills.
Life After the Army
After retiring from the military, Pittard became a vice president at Allison Transmission, a company that makes vehicle parts. In 2018, Savoy magazine named him one of the "Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America."
Pittard is also a triathlete, which means he competes in swimming, biking, and running events. He co-wrote a book called Hunting the Caliphate (2018), which describes the beginning of the fight against ISIS in Iraq.
