The other men in his Detachment enjoyed being around Pits. Artie Eugene Grose, 88, of Edmond, passed away Sunday, January 29, 2017, at the Ansted Center in Ansted. William Hart "Bill" Pitsenbarger was born in Piqua, Ohio on July 8, 1944, but he was destined to leave the small town. Pitsenbarger was killed by Viet Cong snipers later that night. 27881355, citing Miami Memorial Park Cemetery, Covington, Miami County, Ohio, USA ; Maintained by Pam Estes gedmatch# T131729 (contributor 46799761) . Rupert Pitsenbarger: year: date: city, Washington: It was nearing 7:30 in the evening as the enemy fire was beginning to taper off. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. His decisions were deliberate, calculated, and carried out with the highest degree of professionalism. And now, here at the Pentagon, Mr. and Mrs. Pitsenbarger would receive one more award on behalf of their son. No longer could he hear the sounds of William Pitsenbarger's M-16. Time and again these brave medics had been inserted to save lives. Airman Pitsenbarger repeatedly exposed himself to intensive automatic fire while gathering rifles and ammunition from fallen comrades which he passed among the defenders. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. January 24, 2020. All Web: Obituary Daily Times Index, 1995-2016 results for Pitsenbarger. Days later in retrospect, he added, "We were in the fight of our lives, and I just couldn't understand why anybody would put himself in this grave danger if he didn't have to.". An estimated battalion of the enemy from the main force regiment was involved. Search above to list available cemeteries. [13], Airlift/Tanker Association Hall of Fame Award for 2012.[14]. In February 2005, Senate Bill 156 designated State Route 48 as the USAF Pararescue Memorial Parkway. William F. Pitsenbarger will accept the Medal of Honor on his son's behalf. Airman 1st Class Pitsenbarger, a Piqua native and graduate of Piqua schools, was a pararescue and medical specialist who died April 11, 1966, in Vietnam. "I'm sorry but one of your buddies was killed last night," he informed the PJ, then pointed towards a poncho covered bundle in the distance. The U.S. 1st Division Infantrymen found them Monday afternoon and in the bitter fight perhaps a third or more of their company were killed or wounded. Coverage may vary by county. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. FREEAdmission & Parking, Sometimes, awards and decorations are presented posthumously. [8] During the same ceremony he was also posthumously promoted to the rank of Staff sergeant. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. From above, Airman Pitsenbarger watched them struggle with the apparatus. He examined Pitsenbargers body and found that he had four wounds. Learn more about merges. Connect to 337 Pitsenbarger profiles on Geni, Source: https://familysearch.org/service/tree/tree-data/person/LRL6-P2N/all?locale=en, Apr 30 1918 - Shelby, Richland County, Ohio, United States, John W Pittsenbarger, Freda Pittsenbarger, John W Pittsenbarger, Freda B Pittsenbarger, Frances W Pittsenbarger, Loren E Pittsenbarger, Between 1940 and 1942 - 504 Purcell Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, 1940 - 303 South Roosevelt Avenue, Piqua, Washington T, Miami, Ohio, USA, John W Pitsenbarger, Freda B Pitsenbarger, Apr 30 1918 - Shelby, Ohio, United States, Feb 8 2002 - Muncie, Delaware, Indiana, United States, John Walter Pitsenbarger, Freda Blanche Pitsenbarger (born Westfall), William Hart Pitsenbarger Congressional Medal of Honor, Frances Winifred Mcmaster (born Pitsenbarger), Loren Elwood Pitsenbarger, Source: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/17952884/_, Source: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/17952807/loren-elwood-pitsenbarger, Shelby County, Ohio, USA, Shelby, Ohio, United States, Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana, USA, Muncie, Delaware, Indiana, United States, Miami Memorial Park Cemetery, Covington, Miami County, Ohio, USA, Covington, Miami, Ohio, United States, U.S. Social Security Applications and Claims, 1936-2007. This allowed the rescue team to recover 4-5 wounded men with each in and out trip of the helicopters. DoD image must be made in compliance with guidance found at
He was chosen for pararescue duty and sent to several military schools in a variety of locations for further training: survival school, Army Infantry Jump School, Rescue and Survival Technicians Medical Course, Naval School of Underwater Swimmers and Air Rescue Service Transition Tree Jump Training. William Hart Pitsenbarger (July 8, 1944 - April 11, 1966) was a United States Air Force Pararescueman who flew on almost 300 rescue missions during the Vietnam War to aid downed soldiers and pilots. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). The power and rpm shot over the red lines and the helicopter lurched forward and upout of control. IN THE CARE OF. said Haley, one of the few survivors. On April 11, 1966, Pitsenbarger was killed aiding and defending a unit of soldiers pinned down by an enemy assault during the Vietnam War. trademark, including the use of official emblems, insignia, names and slogans), warnings
During the Vietnam War, the United States Air Force awarded its second-highest award, the Air Force Cross, to nineteen enlisted airmen. Pitsenbarger, or simply "Pits," grew up in the small town of Piqua in Ohio as an only child. On the ground, Pits signaled for the penetrator. His bravery and determination exemplify the highest professional standards and traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Air Force. With the three-seat penetrator, a PJ could send up three wounded, then ride back up to his Huskie with two more wounded on a second lift. Learn more about managing a memorial . Part of Pitsenbarger uniform is on display in the Southeast Asia Gallery of the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton. Adamantly Irene and her husband had refused to give their 17-year old permission to join the Army, requiring him to remain in school one more year to graduate. Slowly, O'Berne approached to gently lift the poncho. When the young PJs feet touched the ground, he went into immediate action. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. As he moved among the bodies that littered the jungle floor, an Army captain approached and asked if he was a medic. His bravery and determination exemplify the highest professional standards and traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Air Force. There was a problem getting your location. His pararescue training was put to the test soon after arriving at Hamilton Air Force Base. Pitsenbarger 'Pits' arrived in Vietnam in August 1965. The full force of the aggressors turned their firepower on the advancing American. After six wounded men had been flown to an aid station, the two U.S. Air Force helicopters returned for their second load. His parents, however, convinced him to finish his studies; he graduated in the class of 1962. Two Air Force Huskies were quickly airborne and moving east to find and extract the wounded soldiers of Charlie Company. Two men were killed, twelve wounded, and the tall sergeant from Cicero, Illinois set his men to the task of clearing a landing zone for medevac choppers to extract the casualties. Captain Harold Salem piloted the back-up aircraft, "Pedro 73". Arnold M Pitsenbarger: Abt 1930: In little more than an hour, the two birds had each made two in-and-out trips to recover six wounded soldiers. On October 28, 1961, Arvella married Ralph Pitsenbarger, who preceded her . But the choice to "go in" was always a voluntary call, made the PJs themselves. Seven of his 10-man squad had already been killed in action. Airman Pitsenbarger arrived in Vietnam on August 8th and was assigned to Detachment 6, 38th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron at Bien Hoa Air Base. He was a Pararescue Crew Member of Detachment 6, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron. Weve updated the security on the site. "Pits," as he was known to friends, had been killed in action five months earlier. The firefight was at Cam My, in the Republic of Vietnam, about 35 miles east of Saigon. Those who knew Pitsenbarger will never forget his courage and willingness to go the last mile to save a soldier. Henry lived in 1880, at address, Ohio. When his body was recovered the next day, one hand still held a rifle and the other clutched a medical kit. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. Their sonthat's what this was all about. As the fighting continued to escalate, more wounded fell. Many of the wounded were yelling for their mothers. he attended the fire-fighters course for the HH-43 helicopter. An official website of the United States government, National Museum of the United States Air Force, All visitors may be screened with a metal detector upon entry. As Captain Salem headed towards the aid station, Pedro 97 moved in to hover over the battlefield. She was a homemaker. Finding one wounded infantryman, injured beyond the ability to fire a rifle, Pits gave the soldier his own pistol to enable him to continue to resist. As a junior in high school, he tried to enlist in the U.S. Army as a Green Beret, but his parents refused to give their permission. William Hart Pitsenbarger (July 8, 1944 - April 11, 1966) was a United States Air Force Pararescueman who flew on almost 300 rescue missions during the Vietnam War to aid downed soldiers and pilots. He was born on May 18, 2019 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems - Eau Claire, the son of Ronald Pitsenbarger, Jr. and Ann (Moyer) Nelson. After he graduated from high school, he decided to join the U.S. Air Force, and on New Year's Eve 1962, he was on a train bound for basic training in San Antonio. For nearly a month the officer and his two medics had treated the injured while leading them to rescue. Among those restored to safety was Eric Severeid, who would go on to become a well-known news commentator. Though wounded, he continued his work. A system error has occurred. You may print and distribute in quantity for all non-profit, educational purposes. Indiana, U.S., Death Certificates, 1899-2017, Indiana, U.S., Marriage Certificates, 1960-2012, Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. He noticed the stokes litter caught high in the jungle canopy. The subsequent review determined that the level of voluntary heroism displayed by the 21-year old PJ in the jungles of Vietnam was more in keeping with the levels of valor reflected by the Medal of Honor. Following the recovery of the ninth casualty, the rescue aircraft hovering overhead was damaged and disabled by automatic weapon fire. The only hope of getting the wounded out and headed for emergency field hospitals lay with the Air Force Huskies that were capable of hovering above the canopy to lower an empty stokes litter, then winch it back up with the body of a wounded strapped inside. He never complained and had a great sense of humor and tendency to clown around when things were quiet. Permitted Items: Despite his wounds, he valiantly fought on, simultaneously treating as many wounded as possible. In addition all bags are subject to search and may be placed through an X-Ray machine. Born in White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia, she was the widow of the late James Pitsenbarger and daughter of the late William Richter Corron and Matilda May Nixon Corron. Sorry! In the darkness of the early morning, Army Engineers slipped into the jungle to clear a landing place for the helicopters that would come with the dawn to extract the survivors and the bodies of the dead. On April 11, 1966, Pitsenbarger was killed aiding and defending a unit of soldiers pinned down by an enemy assault during the Vietnam War. The frightened bear performed an about-face and fled. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. The worst was yet to come for Charlie Company. In 2004, an Ohio Historical Society marker honoring Pitsenbarger was placed along Riverside Drive (State Route 66 at Broadway). His parents, however, convinced him to finish his studies; he graduated in the class of 1962. As the battle raged on, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to care for the wounded, pull them out of the line of fire, and return fire whenever he could, during which time, he was wounded three times. There is a problem with your email/password. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Ignoring the pain, he dragged the wounded man to shelter, administered lifesaving first aid, and then treated his own serious wounds. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in December 1963 and went to Lackland Air Force Base in Texas for basic training. Quickly the attack escalated to intense mortar and machinegun fire throughout the entire area. Lieutenant Libs strained his eyes against the unexpected sight. Click here for frequently asked questions regarding items permitted inside the museum. Jump to navigation Jump to search. Airman Pitsenbarger exposed himself to almost certain death by staying on the ground, and perished while saving the lives of wounded infantrymen. Please note the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is not responsible for items left in vehicles. can i use a visa gift card for groceries; crush unfollowed me on instagram He grew up in Piqua, Ohio, a small town near Dayton. Fred Navarro, a man whose life William Pitsenbarger saved -. (U.S. Air Force photo). During most of the missions the rescues were conducted under fire from enemy forces. During a subsequent attempt to evacuate the site, American forces came under heavy assault by a large Viet Cong force. The Huskie was the first chopper to land and O'Berne moved among the dead to find and load three wounded infantrymen. Born June 17, 1934, in Frankford, WV, she was the daughter of the late John Thomas and Flora Mae Loudermilk Yates. He was wounded twice. The only real defense the American survivors had in the dark rain forest came from American artillery. Along with Pitsenbarger, the men honored on the sign are: Msgt. This was granted. Edison Community College in Piqua, Ohio, awards the Pitsenbarger Scholarship to two full-time students per year who can show financial need. An Army general recommended that the award be downgraded to the Air Force Cross, apparently because at the time there was not enough documentation of Pitsenbarger's actions. When Mr. and Mrs. Pitsenbarger accepted that award on behalf of their heroic son on September 22, 1966, William Pits Pitsenbarger became the first enlisted airman in history to receive the Air Force's second-highest award for military heroism, posthumously. The recommendation for William Pitsenbarger's Medal of Honor was downgraded to the Air Force Cross. Navarro himself was wounded. Heedless of the potential for disaster should the heavy prop wash of the Huskie's twin-blades detonate other mines in the field, Airman Pitsenbarger made the ascent, snatched the wounded soldier, and restored him to safety. - Coolers Behind the pilot and co-pilot in Pedro 73, was Airman William Pitsenbarger. Standing to the side to witness the events that were about to unfold was Ohio Senator Frank Lausche. On April 11, 1966, in thick jungle near Saigon, an infantry company on 134 soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division (the "Big Red One") was . It was the first time the pararescueman had ever voiced any misgivings about any mission. My own platoon medic, who was later killed, was totally ineffective. PIQUA - On December 8, 2000 a very important ceremony was held at the Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton. At least nine rounds hit the aircraft, one of them tearing through the wiring and causing the throttle control to jam at full throttle. It was the Air Force Cross, our Nation's second-highest award for military valor by a member of the United States Air Force. A Angelo Urso September 13, 2021 Virginia and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Pitsenbargers last, and probably most gallant mission, was on April 11, 1966. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. - Water bottles (clear, sealed bottle, up to 20 oz.) When he was 17, he wanted to drop out of schoolPiqua Central High Schoolto become a Green Beret. Airman Pitsenbarger, an Air Force Pararescue Crew Member, had died in Vietnam decades earlier on April 11, 1966 while rescuing wounded soldiers. He turned to his machine gunner and said, "That guy coming out of the helicopter from above, in an Air Force uniform, must be out of his mind to leave his not-so-safe helicopter for the inferno on the ground." Please reset your password. Next to him, the wounded Sergeant Navarro was struggling to stay alive and to resist. Alert and always ready to go on any mission. Haley, of Ukiah, Calif., was dirty and unkept after his unit had been in the jungles 30 miles east of Saigon for two weeks searching for the Viet Cong. Usually when a PJ "went in", he rode the penetrator down to either load a casualty in the stokes litter or aid two casualties in riding the penetrator. In fact, the letters and pictures he sent back seemed to indicate that Airman Pitsenbarger was actually having a good time at the Air Base a short distance from the South Vietnamese capital city of Saigon. After he graduated in 1962, an Air Force recruiter inspired him to sign up. Pedro 97 hovered in the area as darkness fell, then returned to Bien Hoa to wait out the night. NAME: Jonathan B. Pittsenborger GENDER: Male MARRIAGE DATE: 21 Nov 1839 MARRIAGE PLACE: Darke, Ohio, USA SPOUSE: Mary Pittsenberger FILM NUMBER: 001030772 From Ancestry.com J. Pitsenbarger in the 1880 United States Federal Census He personally saved over sixty men. OBITUARY Shirley A Pitsenbarger December 29, 1932 - February 8, 2023. 0 cemeteries found in Covington, Miami County, Ohio, USA. - Box cutters This electronic book is available for free download and printing from www.homeofheroes.com. Pitsenbarger, an airman 1st class at the time, originally was awarded the Air Force Cross in 1966. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. Pararescueman William H. Pitsenbarger flew more than 250 rescue missions during the Vietnam War. - Purses Over the months that followed William Pitsenbarger did his best to downplay the dangers of his job in his letters home. The audience included battle survivors, hundreds of pararescue airmen, a congressional representative and the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force. Please try again later. Drag images here or select from your computer for William Franklin Pitsenbarger memorial. Pitsenbarger was given the Air Force Cross for his actions on June 30, 1966. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. Only two members of Sergeant Navarro's 10-man squad had survived. Every fifteen seconds from 8:30 Monday evening until 7:00 A.M. Tuesday morning, five or six rounds of artillery fell within 25 meters of the small perimeter to keep the enemy at bay. As the couple waited for the ceremony to begin, perhaps they could not avoid remembering young William Pitsenbarger's zest for lifea zeal that had always driven him to experience every adventure and push the envelope to the limits. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? He described the forerunners of the Pararescue program as "Gallant". Pitsenbarger was the 59th Medal of Honor recipient, and sixth enlisted recipient, from the Air Force and its predecessor organizations.[4]. The Air Force Huskies could hover over the last layers of the jungle foliage and winch a wire-mesh Stokes Litterto those on the ground. It would be best if she did not know that her only son would be performing some of the most dangerous missions faced by any young man in a combat zone. Ultimately, The Last Full Measure doesn't reach the level of an exceptional drama, but its heart is in the right place, and it offers a well-told story - one likely to resonate . This is a carousel with slides. for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty near Cam My, April 11, 1966: 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Palm, Republic of Vietnam Medal of Military Merit, Detachment 6, 38th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron, National Museum of the United States Air Force, List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Vietnam War, "William H. Pitsenbarger: Bravest Among the Brave Vietnam War Veteran", "Airman 1st Class William H. Pitsenbarger", "Sebastian Stan and all-star cast elevate the heroism of 'The Last Full Measure', "Vietnam War Period Medal of Honor recipients", United States Army Center of Military History, Wright Patterson Air Force Base Skywrighter, "William H. Pitsenbarger: A Hero of Piqua and America", "Pitsenbarger's memorial page on The Virtual Wall", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=William_H._Pitsenbarger&oldid=1134674290, This page was last edited on 19 January 2023, at 23:17. The historical marker is on Route 48, north of Covington. First Lt. Kenneth Anderson, of Nashville, Tenn. said snipers kept firing from the trees. When the enemy launched the assault, the evacuation was called off and Airman Pitsenbarger took up arms with the besieged infantrymen. https://www.dimoc.mil/resources/limitations,
After his training was completed, he returned to Piqua on leave and then to his first duty assignment at Hamilton Air Force Base in California. He was hit seven times before he was finally killed," he said. Once the man was airborne the crew of Pedro 73 expected their pararescueman to ride the penetrator back up to his waiting chopper. Quickly the pilot threw the switches to arm the cable cutter, releasing the litter and freeing his aircraft. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the
Done button to see the photos in the gallery. Try again later. Pandemonium erupted among the American soldiers as they clamored for any semblance of shelter. Click here for frequently asked questions regarding items permitted inside the museum. The selfless words, "That Others May Live," fueled every movement that Pitsenbarger made throughout the ferocious struggle and would enshrine his name among the pantheon of immortal American heroes. PIQUA Thursday evening was the homecoming celebration William H. Pitsenbarger never got after his sacrifices during the Vietnam War. In this first part of the fight that lasted from 45 minutes to an hour, we took quite a few casualties. Little did he know how expensive that price was about to become. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. On December 2, 1950, she married William "Virgil" Pitsenbarger, who preceded her in death. Airman Pitsenbarger volunteered to remain on the ground and administer medical treatment to the wounded. The guest list included combat veterans, hundreds of pararescue airmen, a Congressional representative, and the Air Force Chief of Staff. She was born October 28, 1929 in Moyers, WV a daughter of the late Lona (Rexrode) and Frank Simmons. Somehow, through sheer force of determination, he continued forwardfalling only after reaching an effective range and throwing the two grenades to destroy the enemy position. This cable contained 3 spring-loaded seats that could be dropped through the heavy canopy to pull up men capable of riding the hoist up. Air Force buildings were named for him, and the Air Force Sergeants Association introduced an annual award for valor in honor of the heroic actions reflected in his award citation. This browser does not support getting your location. ). Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. He came there to save lives and that was what he was doing.. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. William Hart Pitsenbarger (July 8, 1944 - April 11, 1966) was a United States Air Force Pararescueman who flew on almost 300 rescue missions during the Vietnam War to aid downed soldiers and pilots. Sidney Daily News. "I Couldn't Believe That Anybody Was Brave Enough, Or Crazy Enough". As the survivors hacked through the jungle vegetation, they did not realize they were only yards from their primary objectivethe command post of the Viet Cong BattalionOperation Abilenesought to find and destroy. Oops, something didn't work. "All of us PJs had a strong desire to save lives," said Chief Master Sergeant Dave Milsten, the ranking Pararescueman in Detachment 6, "that's what we lived for. On December 8, 2000, at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the airman's father, William F. Pitsenbarger, and his wife, Alice, accepted the Medal of Honor from Secretary of the Air Force Whit Peters. 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