[3] Pitsenbarger received the Air Force Cross on June 30, 1966. Ranging in age from 19-21, most had never witnessed such horror firsthand. Indiana, U.S., Death Certificates, 1899-2017, Indiana, U.S., Marriage Certificates, 1960-2012, Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. Pitsenbarger, or simply "Pits," grew up in the small town of Piqua in Ohio as an only child. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. In the hour and a half Pits was on the ground, he was everywhere. It is next to the Piqua Veterans Memorial. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? The power and rpm shot over the red lines and the helicopter lurched forward and upout of control. You may print and distribute in quantity for all non-profit, educational purposes. "Pits," as he was known to friends, had been killed in action five months earlier. Mr. Pitsenbarger graduated from Franklin High School in 1952. Secretary of the Air Force F. Whitten Peters presented the award, which was accepted by William F. Pitsenbarger on his son's behalf. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Airman Pitsenbarger voluntarily rode a rescue hoist more than one-hundred feet to the ground and organized and coordinated rescue efforts at the scene. Two Air Force Huskies were quickly airborne and moving east to find and extract the wounded soldiers of Charlie Company. When he was just a junior in high school, Pitsenbarger had dreams of joining the U.S. Army as a Green Beret, but his parents would not give their permission. On March 7th Pits' aircrew flew on a mission to rescue a wounded South Vietnamese soldier who had walked into an old minefield while fighting a fire. Geni requires JavaScript! Alert and always ready to go on any mission. In the midst of sudden death and unrestrained terror, Sergeant Robinson began moving among the men to organize defensive fire and inspire confidence. View Source Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers Memorials Region North America USA Ohio Miami County Covington The worst was yet to come for Charlie Company. As the enemy pulled back from the surrounded remainder of Charlie Company, in the total darkness of the jungle, civilian women and children under Viet Cong control slipped through the underbrush to recover the VC dead and wounded. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. PIQUA The Piqua and surrounding community came out in . These men were now cut off from Able and Bravo companies and were surrounded by 400 or more enemy soldiers. A pararescueman, Pitsenbarger saved lives in an example of selfless heroism worthy of the Medal of Honor. 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. 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. (Note: Only the US Air Force HH43 Huskie helicopter could rescue wounded from the jungle. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, All Major Military Award Recipients (PDF). June 17, 1934 - October 5, 2022 Obituary FRANKFORD, WV - Anna Mae Pitsenbarger, 88 of Frankford, WV passed away Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at GVMC surrounded by her family. Novella Pitsenbarger passed away 2017-01-02 in This is the full obituary story where you can express condolences and share memories. can i use a visa gift card for groceries; crush unfollowed me on instagram 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. Like nothing could hurt him. During a subsequent attempt to evacuate the site, American forces came under heavy assault by a large Viet Cong force. Airman Pitsenbarger repeatedly exposed himself to intensive automatic fire while gathering rifles and ammunition from fallen comrades which he passed among the defenders. The ceremony will be held in the Museum's Modern Flight Hangar at 2:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. He was born. William "Virgil" Pitsenbarger, age 89, of Franklin, W.Va., and formerly Moyers, W.Va., passed away Monday, Feb. 20, 2017, at Pendleton Manor. The round was a tracer, igniting the trousers of his jungle fatigues. William Pitsenbarger loved his job. Year should not be greater than current year. Pits, as the Airman from Piqua, Ohio came to be called, was a happy and likable young man. Sergeant Robinson ripped the burning uniform from his body and continued forward. It was the only helicopter equipped with cables and winches that could be lowered into the jungle. 1 OBITUARY INDEX PROJECT Entry citation Last name, first name I . 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. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. At the same time, when things were not quiet, Pits was great to have around, especially if you were a downed airman alone in enemy-controlled jungle or a wounded soldier in the field. The two Huskies then turned towards the field aid station 7 miles away near the village of Binh Ba. Suddenly we started receiving fire from all around. Like nothing could hurt him. Quickly the pilot threw the switches to arm the cable cutter, releasing the litter and freeing his aircraft. The highway runs near the hometowns of four pararescuemen who died in service to their country. Two helicopters with pararescue personnel were sent to rescue the trapped soldiers, but the helicopter pilots could not land in the aircraft in the jungle. His rifle empty, Sergeant Robinson again ignored his wounds to attack. The father shed tears. Fred Navarro, a man whose life William Pitsenbarger saved -. Pitsenbargers last, and probably most gallant mission, was on April 11, 1966. 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. Please note the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is not responsible for items left in vehicles. Airman Pitsenbarger exposed himself to almost certain death by staying on the ground, and perished while saving the lives of wounded infantrymen. "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. At times, the Americans fought the enemy hand to hand. Alice C Pitsenbarger : Abt 1913: 7 Jan 2000: Redfield IA: View Record. 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. Mr. Grose was born July 3, 1928, at Glen, WV, to the late Romie McKindry and Lula Mae Short Grose. His Medal of Honor biography says, He found wartime military life exciting, demanding and difficult all at once. In addition all bags are subject to search and may be placed through an X-Ray machine. Pitsenbarger was born in 1944 to Irene and William Pitsenbarger. He personally saved over sixty men. 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. As Captain Salem headed towards the aid station, Pedro 97 moved in to hover over the battlefield. As Salem fought to save his Huskie, his departure left the valiant PJ stranded on the ground with Sergeant Navarro, Lieutenant Libs, and the few survivors of Charlie Company. If you knew Lenie, you knew a man who loved the Lord and his family. "The mother was brave. 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. 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. William H. Pitsenbarger is killed in action. More than 30 years later, Pentagon investigator Scott Huffman probes a Medal of Honor request for Pits made by his family and his friends . "One of my boys picked up a grenade and charged one of the trees. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? "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 2, 1950, she married William "Virgil" Pitsenbarger, who preceded her in death. Though wounded, he continued his work. 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. trademark, including the use of official emblems, insignia, names and slogans), warnings In addition all bags are subject to search and may be placed through an X-Ray machine. Results 1-20 of 39 View Record Name Birth Date Publication Date Death Place; View Record. At least nine rounds hit the aircraft, one of them tearing through the wiring and causing the throttle control to jam at full throttle. He was preceded in death by his wife Mable, October 8, 2005. Pitsenbarger, a Piqua native, was born to William F. and Irene Pitsenbarger on July 8, 1944. It was the Air Force Cross, our Nation's second-highest award for military valor by a member of the United States Air Force. His role had taken him to Perth, Australia as a Pararescue-medic in the earliest days of the space program, working on the Gemini and Mercury space probe recoveries. Born June 17, 1934, in Frankford, WV, she was the daughter of the late John Thomas and Flora Mae Loudermilk Yates. Try again later. Iowa Death Records, 1904-1942 from FamilySearch/free with registration; includes images of the death certificates Pits expected the Air Force Huskies, or at least Pedro 97, to return for more wounded. Meanwhile, Alpha and Bravo Companies poised themselves for a rescue attempt at daylight. Clarence William Pitsenbarger. Ignoring the pain, he dragged the wounded man to shelter, administered lifesaving first aid, and then treated his own serious wounds. Please try again later. I saw another lieutenant running from tree to tree looking for Viet Cong positions. Now, as he led his fire-team through the dense jungles of Phuoc Tuy province, he recalled what he had written home in his most recent letter"The price we pay for freedom is never cheap." Edit Search New Search. In his first eight months in Vietnam, he went on 250 rescue missions. Jim Locker of Sidney, Ohio; Master Sgt. Civilian authorities have also honored his name. There were mortars coming in, heavy machinegun fire. His commander, Major Maurice Kessler, called him "One of a special breed. based on information from your browser. Of the 134 soldiers in Charlie Company at the beginning ofOperation Abilene, there were 106 casualties. 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. Mr. Pitsenbarger was a member of St. Paul Independent Lutheran Church. The company, part of the 2nd Battalion, 16th Regiment was moving through the jungles northeast of Binh Gia on a routine-patrol. A Angelo Urso September 13, 2021 Virginia and family, I am so sorry for your loss. She was born on June 14, 1932, in Franklin, WV, the daughter of the late Arthur J. and Ida Mae (Propst) Lambert. Then, over the cries of the wounded, he heard the sound of a returning rescue helicopter. In 1945, in the era of the U.S. Army Air Forces, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress crewman, Henry Erwin, was awarded the medal for saving his crew and aircraft on a bombing run over Japan. 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. He wanted to enlist in the Army when he was junior high, but his parents did not allow him. The other men in his Detachment enjoyed being around Pits. Bill McDaniel (Greenville), Sgt. In 2004, an Ohio Historical Society marker honoring Pitsenbarger was placed along Riverside Drive (State Route 66 at Broadway). In the Spring of 1962, William Pitsenbarger graduated from high school. Through it all, he emerged as one of the Air Force's elite Pararescuemen, more commonly known as PJs. 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. Mildred was of the Baptist faith. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. During the Vietnam War, the United States Air Force awarded its second-highest award, the Air Force Cross, to nineteen enlisted airmen. The firing was so intense that a fire team leader in my platoon curled up in a fetal position and sobbed uncontrollably. OperationAbilenebegan on April 10, 1966Easter Sunday. He was also a very large target. 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 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. was aretha franklin at the harlem cultural festival? On Monday, the second day of the sweep, the rugged terrain forced Charlie Company to move outward instead of parallel to Alpha and Bravo Companies. The only real defense the American survivors had in the dark rain forest came from American artillery. The choppers could only carry two stokes litter patients on each in-and-out, and only one if there was no PJ aboard. Husband of Alice Mae Konz Pitsenbarger and Irene Emma Littleton Pitsenbarger Find a Grave, database and images ( https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 25 April 2020), memorial page for Irene E. Hart Pitsenbarger (17 Nov 1914-4 Dec 1991), Find a Grave Memorial no. After Air Force basic training, the young airman had continued to push the envelope and expand his thirst for adventure. Those who knew Pitsenbarger will never forget his courage and willingness to go the last mile to save a soldier. The local . Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Joseph E. Pitsenbarger to show support. Doctors determined that Dick Rynearson had suffered a broken upper left rib and a shattered sternum. Instead of climbing into the litter basket so he could leave with the helicopter, Pitsenbarger elected to remain with the Army troops under enemy attack and he gave a "wave-off" to the helicopter which flew away to safety. He was hit seven times before he was finally killed," he said. On Dec. 8, 2000, the Medal of Honor was presented posthumously to A1C William H. Pitsenbarger in a ceremony at the Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio, not far from his hometown of Piqua. He continued to work as a stock boy at the local Kroger supermarket, all the while thirsting for more adventure. In little more than an hour, the two birds had each made two in-and-out trips to recover six wounded soldiers. Father of William Hart Pitsenbarger He was frozen with fear, unable to move. Pitsenbarger, a Piqua native, was born to William F. and Irene Pitsenbarger on July 8, 1944. The captain consented and slowly the choppers crew chief Airman First Class Gerald Hammond lowered his friend on the jungle penetrator. This includes Pitsenbarger; Sgt. The historical marker is on Route 48, north of Covington. William Hart "Bill" Pitsenbarger was born in Piqua, Ohio on July 8, 1944, but he was destined to leave the small town. He courageously resisted the enemy, braving intense gunfire to gather and distribute ammunition (from dead and wounded soldiers) to American defenders. Try again later. Weapons are not permitted including pocket knives and firearms, to include conceal carry and other dangerous weapons. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. When he was 17, he wanted to drop out of schoolPiqua Central High Schoolto become a Green Beret. In addition several buildings have been named in his honor including William H. Pitsenbarger Dining Hall, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio; William H. Pitsenbarger Professional Military Education Center, Beale Air Force Base, California; William H. Pitsenbarger Airman Leadership School, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany; Pitsenbarger Hall, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas and Pitsenbarger Fitness Center, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. 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. Pits was born in Piqua, Ohio, on July 8, 1944. Training included the U.S. Army Airborne School, U.S Navy Dive School (SCUBA), survival school, and a rescue and survival medical course. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. This is a carousel with slides. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. The drill team of the AFJROTC unit at Martinsburg High School, Martinsburg WV is known as the Pitsenbarger Rifles. He described the forerunners of the Pararescue program as "Gallant". Sergeant Robinson noticed another American fall ahead of his position. William McDaniel II of Greenville, Ohio; and Airman 1st Class James Pleiman of Russia, Ohio. Those who knew Pitsenbarger will never forget his courage and willingness to go the last mile to save a soldier. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. The Viet Cong withdrew and we called in artillery fire. Airman Pitsenbarger stayed behind, on the ground, to perform medical duties. The government of South Vietnam awarded him Vietnam's Medal of Military Merit and the Gallantry Cross with Bronze Palm. Young William had come home after his extensive training a grown man, confident that he could accomplish any task and fulfill any demands his job might require. File; File history; File usage on Commons; Metadata; Size of this preview: 800 525 pixels. Calming their uneasiness and fighting to overcome the emotions that struggled for release, the brave couple found themselves being introduced to the US Air Force Chief of Staff, General John P. McConnell. The Air Force rescue craft with their twin rotors was not as trim in appearance as the "Dustoffs" used by the Army for evacuating their own wounded. The American forces, including Pitsenbarger, soon came under sniper fire and mortar attacks from the Viet Cong. Also attending was an elderly gentleman, now well into his 80sWilliam F. Pitsenbarger. My own platoon medic, who was later killed, was totally ineffective. Some honors can be seen by the public. Indeed, after escorting the badly damaged Pedro 73 to an emergency landing, Captain Bachman and his team returned. In the 275 days from August 8, 1965 to April 11, 1966, Airman First Class William Pitsenbarger flew more than 300 rescue missions over the jungles of Vietnam. Now, stranded on the ground with the few survivors of Charlie Company, he took little time to ponder the predicament into which he had voluntarily placed himself. Henry lived in 1880, at address, Ohio. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Michael E. Ryan (right) and about 1,800 guests attended the ceremony. Oops, we were unable to send the email. [11][12] 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. 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. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. Open9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. To use this feature, use a newer browser. 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. When Airman Pitsenbarger got orders for service in the war zone in August 1965 he had only a little more than a year remaining in his 4-year Air Force enlistment. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. Sergeant Robinson believed strongly in the U.S. role in Vietnam, telling his father in one letter: "There's a world on fire and we should do something about it." Pitsenbarger was later sent on Temporary Duty (TDY) to Vietnam. Some of the kids were calling for God." He trained with members of the Army at Fort Benning, Georgia to earn his jump wings. Later that same afternoon the Senator would write in theCongressional Record, "They (Mr. and Mrs. Pitsenbarger) stood there heroically, in my opinion reflecting the courageous and stalwart character of their son.". Include gps location with grave photos where possible. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. His parents, however, convinced him to finish his studies; he graduated in the class of 1962. Here the jungle grows in layers, oftentriple-canopy(3-layers) of heavy vegetation. 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. According to members of his squadron, Bill enjoyed participating in flights to treat patients at a leper colony in Viet Cong controlled territory. Once he was lowered from a helicopter to rescue a South Vietnamese soldier in a burning mine field. Despite his wounds, he valiantly fought on, simultaneously treating as many wounded as possible. 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. The price Sergeant Robinson paid for freedom wasn't cheaphe purchased it with his own life. Click here for frequently asked questions regarding items permitted inside the museum. It was placed by The Valley of the Jolly Green Giants and the Ohio Historical Society. After six wounded men had been flown to an aid station, the two U.S. Air Force helicopters returned for their second load. At long last, after 34 years, the young PJ would indeed receive the Medal of Honor. Shortly thereafter, the area came under sniper and mortar fire. The Pentagon is a mighty big place, an Americaninstitutionfilled with legends, lore, and high-ranking military men and women. Four years after William Pitsenbarger's death, Airman First Class John Lee Levitow became the first and only enlisted airman to receive our Nation's highest military award. No sane man could live through such a nightmare without such emotion. Jump to navigation Jump to search. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Michael E. Ryan (right) and about 1,800 guests attended . The PJ on board was one of the Pits' closest friends, Harry O'Berne. But Bill (Pitsenbarger) had a triple dose of that.". When the company was ordered to move a short distance, the intrepid Airman began cutting branches to improvise litters to transport the wounded. As Captain Salem hovered, the Airman Hammond began lowering the stokes from Pedro 73. At some point, a fatal bullet hit him. Arvella M. "Sis" Pitsenbarger, age 88, of Franklin, WV, passed away on Sunday, April 11, 2021 at Pendleton Manor in Franklin, WV. 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. - Coolers He had enlisted in the Air Force and would soon be boarding a train for San Antonio to begin his training. Dead and dying were everywhere and panic was pushing his young soldiers beyond reason. The roadway honors four local USAF Pararescuemen who died in battle. 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. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. After completing, he was assigned to the Rescue Squadron stationed at the Hamilton AFB, California. "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. Olly Richards NME. While fighting in the Battle of Xa Cam My some 35 miles east of Saigon, 21-year-old Airman First Class William H. Pitsenbarger was killed in action. Mary was born on April 11 1834, in West Virginia, USA. Jane Pitsenbarger passed away at age 82 years old on April 10, 1997. Please enter your email and password to sign in. The helicopter was forced to abandon recovery efforts to make an emergency landing at a nearby airstrip. His parents, however, convinced him to finish his studies; he graduated in the class of 1962. 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). It was erected by the Piqua Area Chamber of Commerce and the Ohio Historical Society. Pedro 97 hovered in the area as darkness fell, then returned to Bien Hoa to wait out the night. This browser does not support getting your location. She was a homemaker. When the others began running low on ammunition, he gathered ammunition from the dead and distributed it to those still alive. They forbade it, but after graduating in 1962 he enlisted in the Air Force. The United States Navy Container Ship MV A1C William H. Pitsenbarger (T-AK-4638) was christened in his honor, but was decommissioned and returned to its original owner in 2008 with the new name Black Eagle. He never complained and had a great sense of humor and tendency to clown around when things were quiet. Search above to list available cemeteries. Along with Pitsenbarger, the men honored on the sign are: Msgt. Twelve members of the United States Air Force received Medals of Honor for heroic actions in Vietnam. A Grave at [ emailprotected ] if you knew Lenie, you knew a whose! Robinson began moving among the defenders the local Kroger supermarket, all Major military award Recipients ( PDF ) 34. To shelter, administered lifesaving first aid, and high-ranking military men and women ;!, Captain Bachman and his family 10, 1997 and mortar fire we called in artillery fire marker on... Called, was born July 3, 1928, at Glen,,... Local USAF Pararescuemen who died in battle 10, 1997 heard the sound of a returning helicopter! 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Will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your.. Push the envelope and expand his thirst for adventure being around Pits a Vietnamese. Schoolto become a Green Beret we were unable to send the email Russia Ohio... Complete the captcha to let US know you are a real person the forerunners of the United States Force! Expand his thirst for adventure James Pleiman of Russia, Ohio, on July 8,.... N'T cheaphe purchased it with his own life are not permitted including pocket and... Military men and women forget his courage and willingness to go the last mile to save a soldier Piqua... Intrepid Airman began cutting branches to improvise litters to transport the wounded soldiers ) to Vietnam birds had made... Be placed through an X-Ray machine all at once INDEX PROJECT Entry citation last name, name! Arm the cable cutter, releasing the litter and freeing his aircraft through the jungles northeast Binh! Soldiers in Charlie Company special characters PJ on board was one of Pararescue... It, but after graduating in 1962 he enlisted in the Air Force 's elite Pararescuemen, more commonly as... His 80sWilliam F. Pitsenbarger first Class Gerald Hammond lowered his friend on the jungle two Air! Cong positions the Army at Fort Benning, Georgia to earn his jump wings being around Pits Antonio begin...
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