Pittman, Jesse Daryl
Male
Verified Petty Officer 1st Class Jesse Daryl Pittman, 27, of Ukiah, California, was a U.S. Navy SEAL. He was killed in Wardak province, Afghanistan, on August 6, 2011.
Their Story
Jesse Daryl Pittman was born on March 21, 1984, and grew up in Ukiah, California. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and, after rigorous training, served as a Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) assigned to Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU).
On August 6, 2011, Pittman was part of a mission in the Tangi Valley of Wardak province, southwest of Kabul. According to U.S. military reports, the CH-47 Chinook helicopter transporting him and other U.S. personnel was shot down by enemy fire. The crash resulted in the single greatest loss of American life in the Afghan war, killing 30 U.S. service members, including 22 SEALs.
Pittman died during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001 following the September 11 attacks. The mission in Wardak province was part of ongoing counter-insurgency operations against Taliban and Haqqani network forces in the region.
His death was widely reported, and a memorial service was held in his hometown. The Navy posthumously awarded him the Bronze Star with Valor and the Purple Heart. His name is inscribed on the Navy SEAL Memorial at the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida.
Petty Officer Pittman is remembered by former teammates and instructors as a dedicated and highly capable operator. Public records and memorials list his survivors, including his parents and siblings.
Explore Further
PO1 Pittman was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.
Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.
