Clarence William 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. He was preceded in death by his wife Mable, October 8, 2005. 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. Rushing forward to rescue the wounded man, enemy rounds slammed into Robinson's shoulder and leg. Along with the being the recipient of the Medal of Honor (posthumously) he has been honored several times. Despite his wounds, he valiantly fought on, simultaneously treating as many wounded as possible. 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]. Upon completing his first TDY assignment, he volunteered to return and received orders in 1965 to report to Detachment 6, 38th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron at Bien Hoa Air Base near Saigon. Seven of his 10-man squad had already been killed in action. 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.". Resend Activation Email. * Firearms, to include conceal carry and other dangerous weapons, are specifically prohibited in Federal facilities in accordance with 18 USC 930 (c) 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. [5] His unit was composed of five aircrews that flew three Kaman HH-43F Huskie helicopters. Of the 291 men, fewer than 20 men survived the night of April 11-12, 1966. When he was 17, he wanted to drop out of schoolPiqua Central High Schoolto become a Green Beret. Open9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. For the next hour and a half, Pitsenbarger tended to the wounded soldiers, hacking splints out of snarled vines and building improvised stretchers out of saplings. Army Sergeant Fred Navarro of Hutchins, Kansas was a squad leader in Charlie 2/16th. Airman Pitsenbarger exposed himself to almost certain death by staying on the ground, and perished while saving the lives of wounded infantrymen. Ranging in age from 19-21, most had never witnessed such horror firsthand. Failed to delete memorial. Family members linked to this person will appear here. Pitsenbarger was given the Air Force Cross for his actions on June 30, 1966. Behind the pilot and co-pilot in Pedro 73, was Airman William Pitsenbarger. 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. 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. Brother of Frances Winifred McMaster and Loren Elwood Pitsenbarger. As each of the nine casualties evacuated that day were recovered, Pitsenbarger refused evacuation in order to get one more wounded soldier to safety. Locating one highly effective enemy sniper, Robinson used a grenade launcher to end the threat. In the hour and a half Pits was on the ground, he was everywhere. Dead and wounded American boys littered the undergrowth in what was quickly becoming a massacre. 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. Haley, of Ukiah, Calif., was dirty and unkept after his unit had been in the jungles 30 miles east of Saigon for two weeks searching for the Viet Cong. 0 cemeteries found in Covington, Miami County, Ohio, USA. 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.". Oops, we were unable to send the email. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. 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. william schur regis grandson Home Uncategorized maryse burgot qui est son mari February 22, 2023 Off doctors accepting new patients in cambridge, ontario , This account has been disabled. Father and son agreed not to tell Irene the full story. "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. William F. Pitsenbarger will accept the Medal of Honor on his son's behalf. Mr. Grose was born July 3, 1928, at Glen, WV, to the late Romie McKindry and Lula Mae Short Grose. 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. One cannot judge the young men who reacted to the horrible events of April 11th with fear and panic. With heavy mortar and small-arms fire, the helicopters could not return to rescue Pitsenbarger. 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. During most of the missions the rescues were conducted under fire from enemy forces. Still taking fire, the infantrymen were struggling between survival and attempts to load a wounded man in the litter. - Strollers - Knives It was the Air Force Cross, our Nation's second-highest award for military valor by a member of the United States Air Force. After arriving on the scene, OBeirne learned of Pitsenbargers death. An estimated battalion of the enemy from the main force regiment was involved. Son of John Walter Pitsenbarger and Freda Blanche Pitsenbarger Pitsenbarger, an airman 1st class at the time, originally was awarded the Air Force Cross in 1966. She was a homemaker. His posthumous award was presented to his father at the Pentagon in ceremonies on July 16, 1967. 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." May 2, 1928 - August 21, 2021. 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. When Pitsenbarger reached the wounded soldiers, he organized their rescue and prepared for them to be transferred to get to the helicopters. He was killed. 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. https://www.dimoc.mil/resources/limitations, Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. Among other problems, he had also lost partial rudder control. Jim Locker (Sidney) and A1C James Pielman (Russia). He courageously resisted the enemy, braving intense gunfire to gather and distribute ammunition (from dead and wounded soldiers) to American defenders. Bailey Zechar Funeral Home. From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in December 1963 and went to Lackland Air Force Base in Texas for basic training. Henry lived in 1880, at address, Ohio. said Haley, one of the few survivors. Pararescueman William H. Pitsenbarger flew more than 250 rescue missions during the Vietnam War. Normally the unit consisted of 291 men but, going intoOperation Abilene, company strength was down to 134 soldiers. Next to him, the wounded Sergeant Navarro was struggling to stay alive and to resist. Please try again later. 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. In one lifeless hand Pits still held his M-16 rifle. Read + Subscribe to This Local Life Magazine. 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. Detachment 6 flew three HH-43F Huskie helicopters, which recovered downed airmen and injured ground troops. Learn more about merges. 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 . 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. 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. 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. No longer could he hear the sounds of William Pitsenbarger's M-16. Standing to the side to witness the events that were about to unfold was Ohio Senator Frank Lausche. 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. Pitsenbarger was in his element in Vietnam. He also became qualified as a U.S. Navy Scuba Diver. Quickly the attack escalated to intense mortar and machinegun fire throughout the entire area. 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. He courageously resisted the enemy, braving intense gunfire to gather and distribute vital ammunition to American defenders. And now, here at the Pentagon, Mr. and Mrs. Pitsenbarger would receive one more award on behalf of their son. Results 1-20 of 372 View Record Name Birth Date Publication Date Publication Place Relatives; View Record. 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. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. According to Pitsenbargers Medal of Honor biography, Pitsenbarger reacted instantly with confidence and courage, charging toward the bear and yelling as if enraged. "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.". DoD image must be made in compliance with guidance found at - Camera bags His Medal of Honor biography says, He found wartime military life exciting, demanding and difficult all at once. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Weapons are not permitted including pocket knives and firearms, to include conceal carry and other dangerous weapons. It was the only helicopter equipped with cables and winches that could be lowered into the jungle. On the ground, things had gone from bad to worse. William "Virgil" Pitsenbarger, age 89, of Franklin, WV and formerly Moyers, WV passed away Monday, February 20, 2017 at Pendleton Manor. "The mother was brave. Learn more about managing a memorial . Then, with the dignity unprecedented valor demands, the story of William Pitsenbarger was read in greater detail than his Air Force Cross citation had set forth. His rifle empty, Sergeant Robinson again ignored his wounds to attack. Staff Sergeant James Robinson, a former Marine, had volunteered for Vietnam dutyhad, in fact, engaged in a determined year-long letter-writing campaign from his duty station in Panama in efforts to be assigned as an advisor to soldiers of the Vietnamese Army. - Purses Upon reaching the site of the ambush, he was lowered through the trees to the ground where he attended to the wounded before having them lifted to the helicopter by cable. In 2005, the State of Ohio designated State Route 48 as the "U.S.A.F. 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. The government of South Vietnam awarded him Vietnam's Medal of Military Merit and the Gallantry Cross with Bronze Palm. He wanted to enlist in the Army when he was junior high, but his parents did not allow him. "I Couldn't Believe That Anybody Was Brave Enough, Or Crazy Enough". 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. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. A pararescueman, Pitsenbarger saved lives in an example of selfless heroism worthy of the Medal of Honor. During his basic training in early 1963, he volunteered for Pararescue. 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. 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. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. William and Irene Pitsenbarger looked with reverence at the medal presented to them by General McConnell on behalf of their son. (U.S. Air Force photo). Pandemonium erupted among the American soldiers as they clamored for any semblance of shelter. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? "One of my boys picked up a grenade and charged one of the trees. Husband of Alice Mae Konz Pitsenbarger and Irene Emma Littleton Pitsenbarger Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Mildred Pitsenbarger to pay them a last tribute. They had one child: Sarah F. Pitsenbarger. An ABC News report by John McWethy (December 8, 2000) quotes Fred Navarro, a man whose life Pitsenbarger saved, as saying, 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 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. Lenie A Pitsenbarger Lenie A. Pitsenbarger, 48, of Mentor, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021, at Lake West Medical Center in Willoughby. 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. Two Air Force Huskies were quickly airborne and moving east to find and extract the wounded soldiers of Charlie Company. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. He was the first airman to receive the honor and continues to be remembered for risking his life to save the lives of others. He continued to work as a stock boy at the local Kroger supermarket, all the while thirsting for more adventure. Edit Search New Search. He trained with members of the Army at Fort Benning, Georgia to earn his jump wings. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Joseph E. Pitsenbarger of Troy, Ohio, who passed away at the age of 66, on January 6, 2022. Over the months that followed William Pitsenbarger did his best to downplay the dangers of his job in his letters home. As he moved among the bodies that littered the jungle floor, an Army captain approached and asked if he was a medic. But the choice to "go in" was always a voluntary call, made the PJs themselves. In the vicious fighting which followed, the American forces suffered 80 percent casualties as their perimeter was breached, and airman Pitsenbarger was finally fatally wounded. When the company was ordered to move a short distance, the intrepid Airman began cutting branches to improvise litters to transport the wounded. 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. The price Sergeant Robinson paid for freedom wasn't cheaphe purchased it with his own life. We have set your language to 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. . All U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current results for Pitsenbarger. On December 2, 1950, she married William "Virgil" Pitsenbarger, who preceded her in death. Captain Ronald Bachman piloted the primary HH-43, call sign "Pedro 97". 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