He turned to Captain Salem at the controls and said, "I'm going in." The choppers could only carry two stokes litter patients on each in-and-out, and only one if there was no PJ aboard. Geni requires JavaScript! Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). At some point, a fatal bullet hit him. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? He successfully completed the rescue and survival medical course. "I Couldn't Believe That Anybody Was Brave Enough, Or Crazy Enough". Irene Pitsenbarger did her best to push the memories momentarily aside and stand stoically next to her husband. Little did he know how expensive that price was about to become. The Viet Cong withdrew and we called in artillery fire. For those whose lives he touched, he will never be forgotten. They tried to leave the area, but they were attacked by the large Viet Cong force. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. He courageously resisted the enemy, braving intense gunfire to gather and distribute ammunition (from dead and wounded soldiers) to American defenders. Obituary Henry Mahlon Pitsenbarger, Jr., 88, a resident of Pendleton Manor, Franklin, WV, went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. He courageously resisted the enemy, braving intense gunfire to gather and distribute vital ammunition to American defenders. File: Medal of Honor presented to William H. Pitsenbarger's parents 2000-12-08.jpg. He was born March 26, 1973, in Sandusky. His posthumous award was presented to his father at the Pentagon in ceremonies on July 16, 1967. Yes, the elder Pitsenbarger was justly proud of his son. His medical training had served him well, so well in fact, that he had applied to Arizona State University to study to become a medical technician or male nurse upon completion of his Air Force tour of duty a couple of months hence. This account has been disabled. The company, part of the 2nd Battalion, 16th Regiment was moving through the jungles northeast of Binh Gia on a routine-patrol. [6], Soon after Pitsenbarger was killed, his Air Force commanders nominated him for the Medal of Honor. An estimated battalion of the enemy from the main force regiment was involved. 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. Airman Pitsenbarger, an Air Force Pararescue Crew Member, had died in Vietnam decades earlier on April 11, 1966 while rescuing wounded soldiers. - Camera bags At times, the Americans fought the enemy hand to hand. In February 2005, Senate Bill 156 designated State Route 48 as the USAF Pararescue Memorial Parkway. Quickly the pilot threw the switches to arm the cable cutter, releasing the litter and freeing his aircraft. She was a homemaker. 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. Of the 134 soldiers in Charlie Company at the beginning ofOperation Abilene, there were 106 casualties. 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. At noon sniper fire began. "After a while," Nolen said, "heavy fire started coming in. said Haley, one of the few survivors. Mary was born on April 11 1834, in West Virginia, USA. She was born May 8, 1931, in Moyers, W.Va., a daughter of the late Benjamin Cameron and Dorothy Louella (Simmons) Pitsenbarger. Search above to list available cemeteries. 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." [5] His unit was composed of five aircrews that flew three Kaman HH-43F Huskie helicopters. One round fell short, detonating in the top of the jungle canopy and raining deadly shrapnel on Sergeant Robinson's platoon. Then Captain Bachman pulled back a short distance to transfer the patient to a folding litter while Pedro 73 went in to pick up a second wounded soldier. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. He was born December 22, 1927 in Moyers,WV a son of the late Benjamin "Cam" Cameron and Dorothy Louella (Simmons) Pitsenbarger. Those who knew Pitsenbarger will never forget his courage and willingness to go the last mile to save a soldier. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? 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." 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. [citation needed] Although Pitsenbarger did not escape alive, 60 other men did. Then, as the Huskie lifted off, O'Berne remained on the ground to treat wounded and load them on the Army Chinook. An Air Force rescue helicopter came over and lowered a ladder. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. On December 2, 1950, she married William "Virgil" Pitsenbarger, who preceded her in death. While the three initial recovered casualties were unloaded, Pits and Pedro 97's PJ Sergeant David Milsten discussed "going in" on the choppers' return. William H. Pitsenbarger is killed in action. Meanwhile, Alpha and Bravo Companies poised themselves for a rescue attempt at daylight. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. 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. 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. Few witnesses remained of the young PJs service and sacrifice. The company commander, Capt. 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. Those who knew Pitsenbarger will never forget his courage and willingness to go the last mile to save a soldier. When his body was recovered the next day, one hand still held a rifle and the other clutched a medical kit. 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. They were also dedicated to saving lives, not only during times of war but also in peace. Mr. Pitsenbarger graduated from Franklin High School in 1952. We were completely surrounded.". 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. william schur regis grandson Home Uncategorized maryse burgot qui est son mari February 22, 2023 Off doctors accepting new patients in cambridge, ontario , Another Viet Cong bullet hit the intrepid soldier in the leg. 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. One cannot judge the young men who reacted to the horrible events of April 11th with fear and panic. On the ground, Pits signaled for the penetrator. Shortly after rescue efforts were interrupted, the area came under heavy sniper and mortar fire. Add to your scrapbook. Civilian authorities have also honored his name. One of the few survivors, Army Lieutenant Martin Kroah later said, "At times, the small; arms fire would be so intense that it was deafening, and all a person could do was get as close to the ground as possible and pray. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. Beneath was the body of his friend, Pararescue medic William Pitsenbargershot four times. 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. Time and again he has faced enemy fire, stared death in the face and calmly set himself to the tasks of a Pararescue medic. Year should not be greater than current year. For nearly a month the officer and his two medics had treated the injured while leading them to rescue. 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. Some honors can be seen by the public. Alice Pitsenbarger (right) observes as her husband, William F. Pitsenbarger (center), accepts the Medal of Honor on behalf of his son, A1C William H. Pitsenbarger, from Secretary of the Air Force Whit Peters, during a ceremony Dec. 8, 2000, at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. 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]. All Web: Obituary Daily Times Index, 1995-2016 results for Pitsenbarger. On April 11, 1966, Pitsenbarger was killed aiding and defending a unit of soldiers pinned down by an enemy assault during the Vietnam War. 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. 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. Hidden by the dense jungle, the enemy was able to hide and still place effective sniper fire on the Americans. "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.". Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? He was born May 2, 1928 in Bradford, Ohio, the son of the late James Elmer Pitsenbarger and Iva (Sowers) Asher. We have set your language to 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. First Lt. Kenneth Anderson, of Nashville, Tenn. said snipers kept firing from the trees. The captain consented and slowly the choppers crew chief Airman First Class Gerald Hammond lowered his friend on the jungle penetrator. For the first time, the senior Pitsenbarger began to worry about the risks inherent in his son's military specialty. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/27881350/william-franklin-pitsenbarger. He was wounded twice. His pararescue training was put to the test soon after arriving at Hamilton Air Force Base. 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. Behind the pilot and co-pilot in Pedro 73, was Airman William Pitsenbarger. While there, it was the Air Force recruiter who captured the young man's attention. 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. Then, over the cries of the wounded, he heard the sound of a returning rescue helicopter. By. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. 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. - Diaper bags 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. The firing was so intense that a fire team leader in my platoon curled up in a fetal position and sobbed uncontrollably. In 2005, the State of Ohio designated State Route 48 as the "U.S.A.F. He grew up in Piqua, Ohio, a small town near Dayton. He is the sixth enlisted airman to receive the Medal of Honor. 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 the fighting continued to escalate, more wounded fell. Portraits in Courage - William Pitsenbarger: Medal of Honor recipient 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. trademark, including the use of official emblems, insignia, names and slogans), warnings When his basic training was complete, he volunteered for Air Force Pararescue duty. Edison Community College in Piqua, Ohio, awards the Pitsenbarger Scholarship to two full-time students per year who can show financial need. 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. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. Along with the being the recipient of the Medal of Honor (posthumously) he has been honored several times. I thought you might like to see a memorial for William Franklin Pitsenbarger I found on Findagrave.com. Pits' solution? He was killed. In addition all bags are subject to search and may be placed through an X-Ray machine. It was the first time the pararescueman had ever voiced any misgivings about any mission. 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. - Box cutters In the Spring of 1962, William Pitsenbarger graduated from high school. Arvella M. "Sis" Pitsenbarger, age 88, of Franklin, WV, passed away on Sunday, April 11, 2021 at Pendleton Manor in Franklin, WV. 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.". Army Staff Sergeant James Robinson was submitted for the Medal of Honor for his heroic sacrifice duringOperation Abilene. 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. 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. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, All Major Military Award Recipients (PDF). May 2, 1928 - August 21, 2021. Arvella M. Pitsenbarger. By this time, the Viet Cong were lobbing mortars into the area, and American forces responded by dropping artillery rounds in and around the small perimeter the survivors of Charlie Company were trying to create. Of the 291 men, fewer than 20 men survived the night of April 11-12, 1966. This browser does not support getting your location. The PJ on board was one of the Pits' closest friends, Harry O'Berne. 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. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. All visitors may be screened with a metal detector upon entry. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. [3] Pitsenbarger received the Air Force Cross on June 30, 1966. In addition all bags are subject to search and may be placed through an X-Ray machine. He was hit seven times before he was finally killed," he said. Click here for frequently asked questions regarding items permitted inside the museum. 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. Inherent in his son seven times before he was born on April 11 1834 in! 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