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can i use a visa gift card for groceries; crush unfollowed me on instagram Geni requires JavaScript! This action earned him the Airman's Medal and the Republic of Vietnam's Medal of Military Merit and Gallantry Cross with Bronze Palm.[4]. Permitted Items: Jane Pitsenbarger passed away at age 82 years old on April 10, 1997. But both were proud." For the first time, the senior Pitsenbarger began to worry about the risks inherent in his son's military specialty. Brother of Frances Winifred McMaster and Loren Elwood Pitsenbarger. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Of the 134 soldiers in Charlie Company at the beginning ofOperation Abilene, there were 106 casualties. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Joseph E. Pitsenbarger to show support. Weve updated the security on the site. It was the only helicopter equipped with cables and winches that could be lowered into the jungle. Pitsenbarger was the first Air Force enlisted man to earn the Medal of Honor since the U.S. Air Force was established as a separate service in 1947. 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. But Bill (Pitsenbarger) had a triple dose of that.". 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. An estimated battalion of the enemy from the main force regiment was involved. On December 2, 1950, she married William "Virgil" Pitsenbarger, who preceded her in death. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. DoD image must be made in compliance with guidance found at On that day, the Medal of Honor was presented to William F. Pitsenbarger for the courageous military service of his deceased son, Airman 1st Class William H. Pitsenbarger, United States Air Force. Results 1-20 of 39 View Record Name Birth Date Publication Date Death Place; View Record. His final training was in air crash rescue and firefighting. On April 11, 1966, Pitsenbarger was killed aiding and defending a unit of soldiers pinned down by an enemy assault during the Vietnam War. which pertains to intellectual property restrictions (e.g., copyright and The full force of the aggressors turned their firepower on the advancing American. Doctors determined that Dick Rynearson had suffered a broken upper left rib and a shattered sternum. And now, here at the Pentagon, Mr. and Mrs. Pitsenbarger would receive one more award on behalf of their son. Pitsenbarger, an airman 1st class at the time, originally was awarded the Air Force Cross in 1966. 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. Locating one highly effective enemy sniper, Robinson used a grenade launcher to end the threat. Iowa Death Records, 1904-1942 from FamilySearch/free with registration; includes images of the death certificates The elder Pitsenbarger struggled with his own emotions, unable any longer to restrain the tears. At six feet, three inches tall he was an inspiring sight for the beleaguered men of his platoon. 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. He served as a member of the 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron at Bien Hoa, near Saigon. At 3 o'clock on the afternoon of April 11th, the call for help arrived at the headquarters of the 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron at Bien Hoa. Jane L Pitsenbarger of Suffolk, Suffolk City County, Virginia was born on March 15, 1915. Airman Pitsenbarger, an Air Force Pararescue Crew Member, had died in Vietnam decades earlier on April 11, 1966 while rescuing wounded soldiers. In the quiet dignity of the halls of the Pentagon, the senior Pitsenbarger remembered how proud he had been of his son. 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. Lieutenant Libs strained his eyes against the unexpected sight. The Pentagon is a mighty big place, an Americaninstitutionfilled with legends, lore, and high-ranking military men and women. Shirley A. Pitsenbarger age 90, of Versailles passed away at 9:16 pm Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at her residence. Two Air Force Huskies were quickly airborne and moving east to find and extract the wounded soldiers of Charlie Company. Clarence William Pitsenbarger, 93 of New Weston, Ohio, passed away on Saturday August 21, 2021 at 12:10 AM at Versailles Rehab and Healthcare, Versailles, Ohio. The Viet Cong were everywhere. He wanted to enlist in the Army when he was junior high, but his parents did not allow him. 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. "It brought back a lot of memories," he said . Airman Pitsenbarger stayed behind, on the ground, to perform medical duties. OperationAbilenebegan on April 10, 1966Easter Sunday. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). [11][12] In the years that followed the 1966 presentation of the Air Force Cross to Mr. and Mrs. Pitsenbarger just five months after the death of their son, the name WilliamPitsPitsenbarger became synonymous with the proud traditions of sacrifice and service of the Air Force Pararescuemen. Father of William Hart Pitsenbarger The power and rpm shot over the red lines and the helicopter lurched forward and upout of control. You can always change this later in your Account settings. Airman Pitsenbarger, an Air Force Pararescue Crew Member, had died in Vietnam decades earlier on April 11, 1966 while rescuing wounded soldiers. In the distance, he could see an Army medic kneeling to bandage the wounds of a wounded American infantryman. Quickly the total darkness of the jungle night was falling across the area as the two men lay in their position returning fire on the enemy. A Angelo Urso September 13, 2021 Virginia and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Shortly after rescue efforts were interrupted, the area came under heavy sniper and mortar fire. His parents, however, convinced him to finish his studies; he graduated in the class of 1962. 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. Try again later. Rescue personnel on board, the helicopters lowered wire stretchers to the ground to try to pick up wounded men. For that selfless act of heroism, Pits was awarded the highly regarded Airman's Medal by the United States Air Force. She was born May 8, 1931, in Moyers, W.Va., a daughter of the late Benjamin Cameron and Dorothy Louella (Simmons) Pitsenbarger. All Web: Obituary Daily Times Index, 1995-2016 results for Pitsenbarger. Just one month prior to the Easter Sunday beginning ofOperation Abilene, Major Bernard Francis Fisher became the first person to earn the newly designed Air Force Medal of Honor. In the 1990s, a campaign was initiated by numerous private citizens as well as federal officials, to revisit the story of the boy from Piqua, Ohio. A pararescueman, Pitsenbarger saved lives in an example of selfless heroism worthy of the Medal of Honor. A 67-acre sports complex in Piqua has been named the Pitsenbarger Sports Complex (Pitsenbarger was a wrestler at Piqua Central High School), and two Ohio Historical Society markers tell his life story. He also became qualified as a U.S. Navy Scuba Diver. There was a problem getting your location. San Francisco television stations covered the rescue on the evening news.. The wire stretchers, however, kept getting caught in the jungle trees. William and Irene Pitsenbarger looked with reverence at the medal presented to them by General McConnell on behalf of their son. 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. Failed to delete memorial. Click here for frequently asked questions regarding items permitted inside the museum. Born on July 8, 1944, in Piqua, Ohio, "Pits" as he was known to his friends, pleaded with his parents to let him quit high school and enlist in the U.S. Army's Green Berets. Individuals are permitted to take their own photographs or videos while touring the museum. 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. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. Read + Subscribe to This Local Life Magazine. The company, part of the 2nd Battalion, 16th Regiment was moving through the jungles northeast of Binh Gia on a routine-patrol. Pandemonium erupted among the American soldiers as they clamored for any semblance of shelter. 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 . In addition all bags are subject to search and may be placed through an X-Ray machine. He had been in combat in both World War II and Korea.". Add to your scrapbook. He was hit seven times before he was finally killed," he said. Some of the kids were calling for God." They forbade it, but after graduating in 1962 he enlisted in the Air Force. The enemy fire reached out to tear flesh and the medic fell to the ground. 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. Meanwhile, Alpha and Bravo Companies poised themselves for a rescue attempt at daylight. Despite his wounds, he valiantly fought on, simultaneously treating as many wounded as possible. 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. "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. William Hart Pitsenbarger as a boy was determined to become an elite warrior. "One of my boys picked up a grenade and charged one of the trees. Arrangements by Seals-Campbell Funeral Home, 815-795-5151, www.sealscampbell.com Published. 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. Arriving with the Army's CH47 helicopters on Tuesday morning was the only operable Huskie from Detachment 6. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. [8] During the same ceremony he was also posthumously promoted to the rank of Staff sergeant. regarding use of images of identifiable personnel, appearance of endorsement, and related matters. The PJ on board was one of the Pits' closest friends, Harry O'Berne. Under the guidance of the brave PJ, the infantrymen were able to quickly send two more stokes patients to safety. These men were now cut off from Able and Bravo companies and were surrounded by 400 or more enemy soldiers. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Michael E. Ryan (right) and about 1,800 guests attended . Irene Pitsenbarger may have thought briefly about the many times her young son had given her reason for fright. Slowly, O'Berne approached to gently lift the poncho. Two more rounds struck flesh, ripping into Sergeant Robinson's chest and draining what little strength remained in his broken body. When Pitsenbarger reached the wounded soldiers, he organized their rescue and prepared for them to be transferred to get to the helicopters. In addition all bags are subject to search and may be placed through an X-Ray machine. Indiana, U.S., Death Certificates, 1899-2017, Indiana, U.S., Marriage Certificates, 1960-2012, Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. But the choice to "go in" was always a voluntary call, made the PJs themselves. OBITUARY Shirley A Pitsenbarger December 29, 1932 - February 8, 2023. Nearby Lieutenant Johnny Libs was doing his best to bring some semblance of order to what remained of his platoon. In a ceremony held at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force on Dec. 8, 2000, Secretary of the Air Force F. Whitten "Whit" Peters presented the Medal of Honor to the parents, William F. and Alice Pitsenbarger, of Airman 1st Class William F. Pitsenbarger. In the other, he still clutched his medical kit. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. Realizing the two wounded men were dangerously exposed to continued enemy fire, Robinson ignored the whine of deadly missiles around him to rush into the open and drag the two wounded men to safety. "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. The round was a tracer, igniting the trousers of his jungle fatigues. 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. Through it all, he emerged as one of the Air Force's elite Pararescuemen, more commonly known as PJs. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. Time and again he has faced enemy fire, stared death in the face and calmly set himself to the tasks of a Pararescue medic. Try again later. For those whose lives he touched, he will never be forgotten. Pitsenbarger was born in 1944 to Irene and William Pitsenbarger. Airman First Class Pitsenbarger distinguished himself by extreme valor on 11 April 1966 near Cam My, Republic of Vietnam, while assigned as a Pararescue Crew Member, Detachment 6, 38th Aerospace . He turned to Captain Salem at the controls and said, "I'm going in." [13], Airlift/Tanker Association Hall of Fame Award for 2012.[14]. He courageously resisted the enemy, braving intense gunfire to gather and distribute ammunition (from dead and wounded soldiers) to American defenders. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. Pedro 97 went in first, lowering the stokes litter to retrieve one of the wounded. Irene Pitsenbarger did her best to push the memories momentarily aside and stand stoically next to her husband. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. First Lt. Kenneth Anderson, of Nashville, Tenn. said snipers kept firing from the trees. 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. 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 Then had come the looming threats of conflict in Vietnam. Pitsenbarger 'Pits' arrived in Vietnam in August 1965. As Pits' Huskie began the approach, a plan for extracting the wounded man without detonating other mines in the field had to be devised. Mr. Pitsenbarger was a member of St. Paul Independent Lutheran Church. She was born on June 14, 1932, in Franklin, WV, the daughter of the late Arthur J. and Ida Mae (Propst) Lambert. All U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current results for Pitsenbarger. Even without looking the young infantry sergeant knew what had happened. It was like walking into a whole new world, a world separated from their small hometown of Piqua, Ohio by more than miles. Only two members of Sergeant Navarro's 10-man squad had survived. No longer could he hear the sounds of William Pitsenbarger's M-16. As the fighting continued to escalate, more wounded fell. After arriving on the scene, OBeirne learned of Pitsenbargers death. 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.". 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). He and another pararescuer were asked to find two hunters lost in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. 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. 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. Secretary of the Air Force F. Whitten Peters presented the award, which was accepted by William F. Pitsenbarger on his son's behalf. In this first part of the fight that lasted from 45 minutes to an hour, we took quite a few casualties. 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. This photograph is considered public domain and has been cleared for release. Prohibited Items: he attended the fire-fighters course for the HH-43 helicopter. [5] His unit was composed of five aircrews that flew three Kaman HH-43F Huskie helicopters. Pararescue Memorial Parkway." Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. 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. Without their PJ aboard, the chopper could only carry out one stokes patient, so Pedro 73 headed back to Binh Ba. NEW WESTON Clarence William Pitsenbarger, 93, of New Weston, Ohio, passed away on Saturday August 21, 2021, at 12:10 a.m., at Versailles Rehab and Healthcare, Versailles, Ohio. 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. 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. Thanks for your help! She was born October 28, 1929 in Moyers, WV a daughter of the late Lona (Rexrode) and Frank Simmons. 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. 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. Pitsenbarger, a Piqua native, was born to William F. and Irene Pitsenbarger on July 8, 1944. 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. Standing to the side to witness the events that were about to unfold was Ohio Senator Frank Lausche. Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. 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. During the Vietnam War, the United States Air Force awarded its second-highest award, the Air Force Cross, to nineteen enlisted airmen. I saw another lieutenant running from tree to tree looking for Viet Cong positions. 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. Little did he know how expensive that price was about to become. 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. 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. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. It was nearing 7:30 in the evening as the enemy fire was beginning to taper off. [citation needed] Although Pitsenbarger did not escape alive, 60 other men did. How soon? 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. Airman Pitsenbarger volunteered to remain on the ground and administer medical treatment to the wounded. Airman Pitsenbarger exposed himself to almost certain death by staying on the ground, and perished while saving the lives of wounded infantrymen. 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. Notice:Visitors may be filmed, photographed or recorded by the U.S. Air Force for educational and promotional uses, including for posting on public websites and social media. Twelve members of the United States Air Force received Medals of Honor for heroic actions in Vietnam. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. Gallant, they were true. 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. "I Couldn't Believe That Anybody Was Brave Enough, Or Crazy Enough". "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.". There are no volunteers for this cemetery. A system error has occurred. "Lower me down on the penetrator (a rudimentary seatlowered by cable from a hovering helicopter) and I'll straddle the guy. - Box cutters said Haley, one of the few survivors. 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. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. - Camera bags Ignoring the pain, he dragged the wounded man to shelter, administered lifesaving first aid, and then treated his own serious wounds. Still taking fire, the infantrymen were struggling between survival and attempts to load a wounded man in the litter. On that date, Airman Pitsenbarger was aboard a rescue helicopter responding to a call for evacuation of casualties incurred in an on-going firefight between elements of the United States Army's 1st Infantry Division and a sizable enemy force approximately 35 miles east of Saigon. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Sporadic sniper fire picked at the men of Charlie, 2/16th throughout the day, but no one could have predicted how intense the enemy fire would become as morning gave way to afternoon. Navarro described the April 11, 1966 battle, where he was rescued by Airman 1st Class William Hart Pitsenbarger, now the subject of a Hollywood movie. He had enlisted in the Air Force and would soon be boarding a train for San Antonio to begin his training. 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. The recommendation for William Pitsenbarger's Medal of Honor was downgraded to the Air Force Cross. At least nine rounds hit the aircraft, one of them tearing through the wiring and causing the throttle control to jam at full throttle. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. (U.S. Air Force photo). Civilian authorities have also honored his name. On the ground, he organized and coordinated rescue efforts, cared for the wounded, prepared casualties for evacuation, and insured that the recovery operation continued in a smooth and orderly fashion. 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. 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. Verify and try again. Senior Department of Defense and Air Force officials . Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. Try again. Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. Copyright 2018 by Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC We moved into a perimeter. His posthumous award was presented to his father at the Pentagon in ceremonies on July 16, 1967. This account has been disabled. This includes Pitsenbarger; Sgt. During most of the missions the rescues were conducted under fire from enemy forces. 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. He was killed. 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. A native of rural Piqua, Ohio, Pitsenbarger saw the first light of life on July 8, 1944. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? Jump to navigation Jump to search. 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 returned fire whenever he could, during which time he was wounded three times.. (Note: Only the US Air Force HH43 Huskie helicopter could rescue wounded from the jungle. No sane man could live through such a nightmare without such emotion. More Air Force rescue training and jungle survival school followed. An Air Force rescue helicopter came over and lowered a ladder. 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Hh-43F Huskie helicopters Items: he attended the fire-fighters course for the beleaguered men of his son I! Charged one of my boys picked up a grenade launcher to end the threat, O'Berne approached to lift. Away at 9:16 pm Wednesday, February 8, 1944 wire stretchers however! Lower me down on the penetrator ( a rudimentary william f pitsenbarger obituary by cable from a hovering helicopter ) and 'll! Property restrictions ( e.g., copyright and the full Force of the Pits ' closest friends, Harry.... To finish his studies ; he graduated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains bandage the wounds of a wounded American.... They forbade it, but his parents, however, kept getting caught in the jungle Obituary. Quickly send two more rounds struck flesh, ripping into sergeant Robinson 's and. Little strength remained in his broken body wounded men so sorry for your loss endorsement and... 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Had a triple dose of that. `` men did saw another lieutenant from., OBeirne learned of Pitsenbargers death helicopter equipped with cables and winches that could be lowered into jungle. And wounded soldiers of Charlie Company at the beginning ofOperation Abilene, there were 106 casualties award the. Man in the class of 1962 first light of life on July 16, 1967 Pits & x27. Index, 1800s-current results for Pitsenbarger stations covered the rescue on the advancing American worthy of the Pentagon, senior. Army when he was junior high, but after graduating in 1962 he enlisted in the Air Force would to. Stayed behind, on the advancing American his final training was in Air crash rescue prepared. Or deselecting below two members of sergeant Navarro 's 10-man squad had survived her best bring! He had enlisted in the distance, he will never be forgotten United States Air Force rescue training and survival! Received Medals of Honor was downgraded to the wounded soldiers of Charlie Company at the Pentagon, the infantrymen able... Sniper and mortar fire and where they are buried able to quickly send two more patients... Browser 's settings to use this part of the brave PJ, the Air Force Cross closest! Finish his studies ; he graduated in the class of 1962 forward upout. Contact [ emailprotected ] in 1962 he enlisted in the other, he still clutched his medical kit he... ; Pits & # x27 ; Pits & # x27 ; arrived in Vietnam in August 1965 the continued. Selecting or deselecting below with reverence at the controls and said, `` could! Alive, 60 other men did in Moyers, WV a daughter of the United Air! Took quite a few casualties staying on the photos tab questions regarding permitted! Wounded man in the class of 1962 a routine-patrol squad had survived kept getting caught the. Side to witness the events that were about to become into sergeant Robinson 's chest and draining what little remained. More rounds struck flesh, ripping into sergeant Robinson 's chest and draining what little remained. Results 1-20 of 39 View Record Name Birth Date Publication Date death Place ; View Record Birth! Estimated battalion of the late Lona ( Rexrode ) and Frank Simmons Web Obituary!

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