William H. Pitsenbarger | |
---|---|
![]() Airman First Class Pitsenbarger | |
Nickname(s) | "Pits" |
Born | Piqua, Ohio, United States | July 8, 1944
Died | April 11, 1966 Xa Cam My, Cẩm Mỹ, Dong Nai, South Vietnam | (aged 21)
Buried | Miami Memorial Park Cemetery, Covington, Ohio |
Allegiance | United States |
Service/ | United States Air Force |
Years of service | 1962–1966 |
Rank | Staff sergeant[a] |
Unit | 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron |
Battles/wars | |
Awards | Medal of Honor Airman's Medal Purple Heart Air Medal (10) |
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.
On April 11, 1966, Pitsenbarger was killed aiding and defending a unit of soldiers pinned down by an enemy assault during the Vietnam War. Before his death, he helped save over 60 men in the battle.[1][2] He was posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross, which was later upgraded to the Medal of Honor.[3]
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