Oklahoma National Guardsman to get Soldier’s Medal

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – A soldier with the Oklahoma National Guard who was seriously injured while trying to protect others when a massive tornado struck Moore last year is being honored with the Army’s Soldier Medal.

Sergeant E.H. Pittman of will be honored during an event Sunday at the Norman Armed Forces Reserve Center.

Pittman previously was awarded the Oklahoma Star of Valor, but National Guard officials say that award is being rescinded and upgraded to the Soldier’s Medal.

Pittman had recently returned from Afghanistan and was working at a Moore convenience store when the May 20th, 2013, tornado hit. Pittman and a co-worker rushed some customers into a bathroom as the tornado struck, demolishing the store and killing three people.

Pittman suffered serious wounds including a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed.