william f pitsenbarger obituary

Gallant, they were true. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. One cannot judge the young men who reacted to the horrible events of April 11th with fear and panic. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. On the ground, things had gone from bad to worse. At some point, a fatal bullet hit him. based on information from your browser. Olly Richards NME. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. Of those nineteen awards, ten were awarded to Pararescuemen. better known as PJs. - Food and Soda Drinks During most of the missions the rescues were conducted under fire from enemy forces. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. He loved to help and bless anybody he could. His rifle empty, Sergeant Robinson again ignored his wounds to attack. All U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current results for Pitsenbarger. "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. When he found the bodies of American boys that could not be saved, he gathered weapons and ammunition to distribute among those who could still fight. You can always change this later in your Account settings. The highway runs near the hometowns of four pararescuemen who died in service to their country. Pitsenbarger, a Piqua native, was born to William F. and Irene Pitsenbarger on July 8, 1944. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? Sporadic rounds continued to whistle through the air around Sergeant Navarro, but with the encroaching darkness, there was coming an eerie quiet as well. Twelve members of the United States Air Force received Medals of Honor for heroic actions in Vietnam. His posthumous award was presented to his father at the Pentagon in ceremonies on July 16, 1967. If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. She was a homemaker. can i use a visa gift card for groceries; crush unfollowed me on instagram For Mr. and Mrs. William Pitsenbarger, the September 22, 1966 visit to the home of America's military men and women had all the elements of culture shock. maryse burgot qui est son marigarberiel battery charger manual 26th February 2023 / in what's happening in silsbee, tx today / by / in what's happening in silsbee, tx today / by The price Sergeant Robinson paid for freedom wasn't cheaphe purchased it with his own life. Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. As Captain Salem headed towards the aid station, Pedro 97 moved in to hover over the battlefield. At long last, after 34 years, the young PJ would indeed receive the Medal of Honor. On April 11, 1966, three rifle companies from 1st Infantry Division - also known as the " Big Red One " - were sent to fight the Viet Cong . An adventurer since boyhood, his greatest thrill had always been the opportunity to save lives. Time and again, as was not uncommon among any of the dedicated PJs, Pits had made the ascent from the relative shelter of his hovering Huskie to the jungle floor to render immediate first aid to wounded and then strap them into the lowered Stokes Litter. 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 . During his short life, Thiago was surrounded by the love of his family. He was leaving that very night. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? 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. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Michael E. Ryan (right) and about 1,800 guests attended the ceremony. - Diaper bags William McDaniel II of Greenville, Ohio; and Airman 1st Class James Pleiman of Russia, Ohio. Quickly the pilot threw the switches to arm the cable cutter, releasing the litter and freeing his aircraft. Standing to the side to witness the events that were about to unfold was Ohio Senator Frank Lausche. The dragging litter threatened to snag in the foliage and bring Pedro 73 crashing to the ground. Airman Pitsenbarger, an Air Force Pararescue Crew Member, had died in Vietnam decades earlier on April 11, 1966 while rescuing wounded soldiers. Pitsenbarger, or simply "Pits," grew up in the small town of Piqua in Ohio as an only child. The Last Full Measure is about real-life Vietnam War hero William H. Pitsenbarger who tragically died at the age of 21 during a rescue mission in 1966 after saving countless lives during the war. Senior Department of Defense and Air Force officials . As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. Captain Harold Salem piloted the back-up aircraft, "Pedro 73". MEDAL OF HONOR CITATION. Add to your scrapbook. Soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division, better known as "The Big Red One", began to move into the jungle between Saigon and Vung Tau in search of the enemy. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of William Pitsenbarger (27881350)? January 24, 2020. In the Spring of 1962, William Pitsenbarger graduated from high school. An MRI also revealed a hematoma, or bad bruising, above his kidney that doctors found. Airman Pitsenbarger volunteered to remain on the ground and administer medical treatment to the wounded. [citation needed] Although Pitsenbarger did not escape alive, 60 other men did. He served as a member of the 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron at Bien Hoa, near Saigon. Civilian authorities have also honored his name. The government of South Vietnam awarded him Vietnam's Medal of Military Merit and the Gallantry Cross with Bronze Palm. "Pits," as he was known to friends, had been killed in action five months earlier. During the brightest day, soldiers moving acrossthe jungle floor can almost feel that they are moving about at 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 Jim Locker of Sidney, Ohio; Master Sgt. The Air Force Association awards a $750 Pitsenbarger scholarship to the top USAF enlisted personnel graduating from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) who plan to pursue a baccalaureate degree and submits a competitive award nomination package. Few witnesses remained of the young PJs service and sacrifice. My own platoon medic, who was later killed, was totally ineffective. There were mortars coming in, heavy machinegun fire. The company commander, Capt. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. (Note: Only the US Air Force HH43 Huskie helicopter could rescue wounded from the jungle. After unloading at Binh Ba, Pedro 73 diverted to refuel while Captain Bachman and Pedro 97 returned for the fifth pick-up of the day. IN THE CARE OF. The Pitsenbarger Sports Complex at Piqua, Ohio, the Pitsenbarger Dining Hall at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Pitsenbarger dormitory at Dover Air Force Base are named in his honor. The captain consented and slowly the choppers crew chief Airman First Class Gerald Hammond lowered his friend on the jungle penetrator. The father shed tears. Following the recovery of the ninth casualty, the rescue aircraft hovering overhead was damaged and disabled by automatic weapon fire. We have set your language to And now, here at the Pentagon, Mr. and Mrs. Pitsenbarger would receive one more award on behalf of their son. Alice C Pitsenbarger : Abt 1913: 7 Jan 2000: Redfield IA: View Record. Pits was born in Piqua, Ohio, on July 8, 1944. He described the forerunners of the Pararescue program as "Gallant". William Pitsenbarger was dead. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. How soon? The audience included battle survivors, hundreds of pararescue airmen, a congressional representative and the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force. He attended the Navy's underwater swimmers school. 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. He was the first airman to receive the honor and continues to be remembered for risking his life to save the lives of others. - Alcohol Within days of that horrible night, Sergeant Fred Navarro provided the Air Force with a taped statement detailing the heroism of Airman First Class William Pitsenbarger in support of a recommendation for the Medal of Honor. Surviving is a son, Richter "Rick" James Pitsenbarger of St. Albans, West Virginia; a sister, Agnes Hodge (Sammy) of Hot Springs, Virginia. 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. 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. Indeed, after escorting the badly damaged Pedro 73 to an emergency landing, Captain Bachman and his team returned. Indiana, U.S., Death Certificates, 1899-2017, Indiana, U.S., Marriage Certificates, 1960-2012, Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. He also became qualified as a U.S. Navy Scuba Diver. Sidney Daily News. Hidden by the dense jungle, the enemy was able to hide and still place effective sniper fire on the Americans. But the Huskies had a unique advantage. 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 born. Meanwhile, Alpha and Bravo Companies poised themselves for a rescue attempt at daylight. OBeirne believes Pitsenbarger probably continued giving aid until he was hit the third or fourth time. In this first part of the fight that lasted from 45 minutes to an hour, we took quite a few casualties. William Pitsenbarger's Background A1C Pitsenbarger, an Ohio native, is one of three Medal of Honor Recipients from Piqua, Ohio. 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. View Source Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers Memorials Region North America USA Ohio Miami County Covington Even as the enemy fire continued to scorch the area, he moved among the casualties to tend the wounded and administer life-saving medical attention. He was born June 17, 1933, in Moyers, WV and was the son of the late Henry M. Pitsenbarger, Sr., and Nora Alice (Smith) Pitsenbarger. PIQUA The Piqua and surrounding community came out in . He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in December 1963 and went to Lackland Air Force Base in Texas for basic training. Totally exposed at the end of the cable, enemy rounds sang past the gallant PJ as he voluntarily rode the penetrator into a nightmare beyond human comprehension. He was credited with saving nine lives. The choppers could only carry two stokes litter patients on each in-and-out, and only one if there was no PJ aboard. "After a while," Nolen said, "heavy fire started coming in. 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. William Pitsenbarger's story survived for more than three decades, making the young airman something of an Air Force legend. On the ground, Pits signaled for the penetrator. He personally saved over sixty men. Father of William Hart Pitsenbarger Bailey Zechar Funeral Home . Bailey Zechar Funeral Home. While still in high school, he wanted to join the U.S. Army Special Forces ("The Green Berets"), but his parents, Irene and William Frank Pitsenbarger forbade it. These men were now cut off from Able and Bravo companies and were surrounded by 400 or more enemy soldiers. As one of the helicopters lowered its litter basket to Pitsenbarger, who had remained on the ground with the 20 infantrymen still alive, it was hit by a burst of enemy small-arms fire. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. 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." After arriving on the scene, OBeirne learned of Pitsenbargers death. Click here for frequently asked questions regarding items permitted inside the museum. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. On December 2, 1950, she married William "Virgil" Pitsenbarger, who preceded her in death. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/27881350/william-franklin-pitsenbarger. 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. Normally the unit consisted of 291 men but, going intoOperation Abilene, company strength was down to 134 soldiers. Secretary of the Air Force F. Whitten Peters presented the award, which was accepted by William F. Pitsenbarger on his son's behalf. Pandemonium erupted among the American soldiers as they clamored for any semblance of shelter. They hauled out about a dozen of our wounded. In his junior year of high school in his small town of 20,000, young William Pitsenbarger had tried to enlist in the Army's Special Forces to wear the coveted Green Beret. I couldnt believe that anybody was brave enough or crazy enough to come down on the ground with all the firing going on Even though there was 700 guns firing at the same time, it was to him like nothing was going on. Try again later. "At the conclusion of the award, I felt that I was spiritually cleansed and fortified for a better rendition of service in the responsibility which I have for my government.". In the hour and a half Pits was on the ground, he was everywhere. Some of the kids were calling for God." When the company was ordered to move a short distance, the intrepid Airman began cutting branches to improvise litters to transport the wounded. No longer could he hear the sounds of William Pitsenbarger's M-16. His pararescue training was put to the test soon after arriving at Hamilton Air Force Base. Before his death, he helped save over 60 men in the battle. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. This electronic book is available for free download and printing from www.homeofheroes.com. Slowly, the citation was read: "A1c William H. Pitsenbarger distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near Cam My, the Republic of Vietnam on 11 April 1966. That done, Captain Bachman returned to use the stokes to pull one more wounded soldier from the field of battle. ", Pitsenbarger completed more than 250 missions, including one in which he hung from an HH-43's cable to rescue a wounded South Vietnamese soldier from a burning minefield. Because of the thick, triple-canopy jungle, Army medevacs could not come in to retrieve the woundedthere was simply no place to land. Arvella M. "Sis" Pitsenbarger, age 88, of Franklin, WV, passed away on Sunday, April 11, 2021 at Pendleton Manor in Franklin, WV. After several pick-ups, one of the two rescue helicopters involved in the evacuation was struck by heavy enemy ground fire and was forced to leave the scene for an emergency landing. By 3:30 the two Air Force choppers were hovering over the tops of the jungle canopy while death and devastation raged below. The PJ on board was one of the Pits' closest friends, Harry O'Berne. Hundreds of men owed their lives to a young medic called Pitsand not only for his lifesaving first aid in the airborne trip from the jungle to a field hospital. Lenie A Pitsenbarger Lenie A. Pitsenbarger, 48, of Mentor, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021, at Lake West Medical Center in Willoughby. The guest list included combat veterans, hundreds of pararescue airmen, a Congressional representative, and the Air Force Chief of Staff. Average Age & Life Expectancy Jane L Pitsenbarger lived 12 years longer than the average Pitsenbarger family member when she died at the age of 82. Little did he know how expensive that price was about to become. Through his personal efforts, the evacuation of the wounded was greatly expedited. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in December 1963 and went to Lackland Air Force Base in Texas for basic training. was aretha franklin at the harlem cultural festival? IN THE CARE OF. One round fell short, detonating in the top of the jungle canopy and raining deadly shrapnel on Sergeant Robinson's platoon. Try again later. Clarence William Pitsenbarger. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, All Major Military Award Recipients (PDF). 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. After Air Force basic training, the young airman had continued to push the envelope and expand his thirst for adventure. On that day, he was aboard a rescue helicopter that was sent to evacuate casualties of a firefight between the Armys 1st Infantry Division and Viet Cong enemy forces. Henry Pitsenbarger, . His parents, however, convinced him to finish his studies; he graduated in the class of 1962. He noticed the stokes litter caught high in the jungle canopy. Make sure that the file is a photo. Mr. Grose was born July 3, 1928, at Glen, WV, to the late Romie McKindry and Lula Mae Short Grose. The Viet Cong withdrew and we called in artillery fire. Retha Mae (Simmons) Pitsenbarger, 90, of Franklin, WV and formerly Moyers, WV passed away Friday, January 17, 2020 at Pendleton Manor. Pitsenbarger was given the Air Force Cross for his actions on June 30, 1966. The man had lost his foot when he stepped on a mine and was trapped inside a maze of old and unstable explosive devices. Nine men out and Captain Salem was returning for more as Pedro 97 headed for Binh Ba with their heaviest load of the day. The company, part of the 2nd Battalion, 16th Regiment was moving through the jungles northeast of Binh Gia on a routine-patrol. 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. His parents, however, convinced him to finish his studies; he graduated in the class of 1962. Army Staff Sergeant James Robinson was submitted for the Medal of Honor for his heroic sacrifice duringOperation Abilene. In addition to the Airman's Medal and the Vietnamese awards, their son had received the Purple Heart and six Air Medals with four more pending. All visitors may be screened with a metal detector upon entry. The first explosion came from American artillery fired in support ofOperation Abilene. At Stead AFB, Nevada, he completed the combat survival course, at Elgin AFB in Florida he attended the Tropical Survival School, and at Albrook AFB, C.Z. He was frozen with fear, unable to move. The worst was yet to come for Charlie Company. Detachment 6 consisted of five aircrews that flew three HH-43F Kaman Huskie helicopters. For his actions, he was given the Airmans Medal by the United States; South Vietnam gave him the Vietnam Medal of Military Merit and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Palm. Mildred Pitsenbarger Obituary With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Mildred Pitsenbarger of Gaffney, South Carolina, who passed away on February 3, 2023 at the age of 93. ), Pitsenbarger decided that he could speed things up if he could get to the ground. Jane L Pitsenbarger of Suffolk, Suffolk City County, Virginia was born on March 15, 1915. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. Thanks for your help! William Hart Pitsenbarger as a boy was determined to become an elite warrior. As darkness began to fall, he disappeared for about 10 minutes, returning to the area receiving the heaviest enemy fire with 20 or more magazines of ammunition he had scrounged from among the dead. The recommendation for William Pitsenbarger's Medal of Honor was downgraded to the Air Force Cross. Pitsenbarger, an airman 1st class at the time, originally was awarded the Air Force Cross in 1966. [9], Staff Sergeant Pitsenbarger has been awarded the following:[10], Pitsenbarger was the first enlisted recipient of the Air Force Cross medal, receiving the award posthumously in 1966.[5]. The 2019 film The Last Full Measure depicting Pitsenbarger's life stars Jeremy Irvine as Pitsenbarger. 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. Two Air Force Huskies were quickly airborne and moving east to find and extract the wounded soldiers of Charlie Company. Captain Ronald Bachman piloted the primary HH-43, call sign "Pedro 97". 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. Those who knew Pitsenbarger will never forget his courage and willingness to go the last mile to save a soldier. They had one child: Sarah F. Pitsenbarger. This time, working in tandem with Sergeant Milsten on Pedro 97, Pitsenbarger was able to load one litter case and two more wounded on the penetrator. Army Sergeant Fred Navarro of Hutchins, Kansas was a squad leader in Charlie 2/16th. Under the guidance of the brave PJ, the infantrymen were able to quickly send two more stokes patients to safety. Iowa Death Records, 1904-1942 from FamilySearch/free with registration; includes images of the death certificates The wire stretchers, however, kept getting caught in the jungle trees. When his body was recovered the next day, one hand still held a rifle and the other clutched a medical kit. [5] His unit was composed of five aircrews that flew three Kaman HH-43F Huskie helicopters. The Huskie was the first chopper to land and O'Berne moved among the dead to find and load three wounded infantrymen. When a wounded man had been properly strapped inside the litter, he could then be winched up into the Huskie where Pararescue medics like William Pitsenbarger waited to administer lifesaving first aid during the flight to a field hospital. Further, any commercial or non-commercial use of this photograph or any other A system error has occurred. He was also a very large target. His bravery and determination int he faces of overwhelming odds are in keeping with the highest standards of performance and traditions of the American fighting man under attack.". But what made the young pararescueman from Piqua, Ohio stand out was how he dealt with fear. On April 11, 1966, a call came to help 134 men of Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion . 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. he attended the fire-fighters course for the HH-43 helicopter. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Pitsenbargers friend Harry OBeirne, eventually was sent in to replace him. Amid a flood of memories, an invocation by the Chief of the Air Force Chaplain Service, and remarks by the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Secretary of the Air Force the Honorable F. Whitten Peters stepped to the podium. The frightened bear performed an about-face and fled. The local . He came there to save lives and that was what he was doing., -Fred Navarro, a man whose life William Pitsenbarger saved -, (Photocourtesy of the Piqua Public Library History Department). [1][3], He is buried in Miami Memorial Park Cemetery Covington, Ohio. At six feet, three inches tall he was an inspiring sight for the beleaguered men of his platoon. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. Airman Pitsenbarger, an Air Force Pararescue Crew Member, had died in Vietnam decades earlier on April 11, 1966 while rescuing wounded soldiers. Even as a lad he had flirted with danger, taking his childhood games like "follow the leader" to the ledges of the highest buildings or the limbs of the tallest trees. Weve updated the security on the site. 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. William F. Pitsenbarger will accept the Medal of Honor on his son's behalf. His name can be found on Panel 06E Line 102 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. He also became qualified as a U.S. Navy Scuba Diver. Permitted Items: PJs were born out of the efforts of Lieutenant Colonel Don Fleckinger and two medical corpsmen who parachuted into remote jungles near the China-Burma border in August 1943 to rescue survivors from a disabled C-46. "It was horrible," said Pfc Ronald Haley, as he stood in the tiny clearing blasted from the jungle so that the dead and wounded could be evacuated. It was nearing 7:30 in the evening as the enemy fire was beginning to taper off. O'Berne replied that he was. In one lifeless hand Pits still held his M-16 rifle. - Coolers It was Spring 1966, during a rescue mission that Pitsenbarger was offered the chance to escape on the last helicopter out of a combat zone heavily under fire, but he chose to stay behind to save and defend the lives of his fellow soldiers before making the ultimate sacrifice in the bloodiest battle of the war. Airman Pitsenbarger exposed himself to almost certain death by staying on the ground, and perished while saving the lives of wounded infantrymen. His commander, Major Maurice Kessler, called him "One of a special breed. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. For those whose lives he touched, he will never be forgotten. Reports say that watching soldiers were stunned when they saw Pitsenbarger being lowered to the ground. He. The package was about 10 feet off the ground and Pits was reaching upwards to receive it when a flurry of enemy .30 caliber rounds from two separate positions, raked the hovering rescue helicopter. cemeteries found in Covington, Miami County, Ohio, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Fred Navarro, a man whose life William Pitsenbarger saved -. Born February 19, 1927 at Thayer, WV she was the daughter of the late William Haynes and Ocie Dean Haynes As the last surviving sibling, she was preceded in death by three brothers Alfred . The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, on December 8, 2000, has awarded in the name of the Congress the Medal of Honor posthumously to: Airman First Class Pitsenbarger distinguished himself by extreme valor on April 11, 1966 near Cam My, Republic of Vietnam, while assigned as a Pararescue Crew Member, Detachment 6, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron. Hour and a half Pits was born in Piqua, Ohio ; and airman 1st class Pleiman! Consisted of five aircrews that flew three Kaman HH-43F Huskie helicopters James Robinson was for. Of others L Pitsenbarger of Suffolk, Suffolk william f pitsenbarger obituary County, Virginia was on! As he was everywhere not escape alive, 60 other men did this photo beginning to off... Pitsenbarger will accept the Medal of Honor was downgraded to the ground bruising, above his kidney doctors... An alert to the wounded was greatly expedited Kessler, called him `` one of the were. 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