OBeirne believes Pitsenbarger probably continued giving aid until he was hit the third or fourth time. 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. 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. After arriving on the scene, OBeirne learned of Pitsenbargers death. He was born March 26, 1973, in Sandusky. He continued to work as a stock boy at the local Kroger supermarket, all the while thirsting for more adventure. The father shed tears. 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. A Angelo Urso September 13, 2021 Virginia and family, I am so sorry for your loss. 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. Click here for frequently asked questions regarding items permitted inside the museum. Shirley was born December 29, 1932, in Miami County to the late Milton & Edna (Niesley) Buckingham. On April 11, 1966, Pitsenbarger was killed aiding and defending a unit of soldiers pinned down by an enemy assault during the Vietnam War. It was the Air Force Cross, our Nation's second-highest award for military valor by a member of the United States Air Force. Please try again later. While the three initial recovered casualties were unloaded, Pits and Pedro 97's PJ Sergeant David Milsten discussed "going in" on the choppers' return. They found the hunters and began to cut a trail down the mountain. William Hart "Bill" Pitsenbarger was born in Piqua, Ohio on July 8, 1944, but he was destined to leave the small town. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. 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. PIQUA The Piqua and surrounding community came out in . Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. He was credited with saving nine lives. 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. They were also dedicated to saving lives, not only during times of war but also in peace. 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. Some of the kids were calling for God." All visitors may be screened with a metal detector upon entry. The Air Force Huskies could hover over the last layers of the jungle foliage and winch a wire-mesh Stokes Litterto those on the ground. It was like walking into a whole new world, a world separated from their small hometown of Piqua, Ohio by more than miles. cemeteries found in Covington, Miami County, Ohio, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. 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. An adventurer since boyhood, his greatest thrill had always been the opportunity to save lives. https://www.dimoc.mil/resources/limitations, trademark, including the use of official emblems, insignia, names and slogans), warnings 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. 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. When he was 17, he wanted to drop out of schoolPiqua Central High Schoolto become a Green Beret. was aretha franklin at the harlem cultural festival? Pitsenbarger, a Piqua native, was born to William F. and Irene Pitsenbarger on July 8, 1944. 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. DoD image must be made in compliance with guidance found at regarding use of images of identifiable personnel, appearance of endorsement, and related matters. It would be best if she did not know that her only son would be performing some of the most dangerous missions faced by any young man in a combat zone. - Knives On April 11, 1966, his day off, he volunteered to board one of two Kaman HH-43F Huskie helicopters dispatched to extract a half-dozen or so wounded soldiers pinned down in a firefight near Cam My, a rural area of Vietnam located 35 miles east of Saigon. Pandemonium erupted among the American soldiers as they clamored for any semblance of shelter. He stared at them in awe and never cried. Born February 19, 1927 at Thayer, WV she was the daughter of the late William Haynes and Ocie Dean Haynes As the last surviving sibling, she was preceded in death by three brothers Alfred . Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. 1 OBITUARY INDEX PROJECT Entry citation Last name, first name I . 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. Prohibited Items: 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. 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. In the other, he still clutched his medical kit. Irene Pitsenbarger may have thought briefly about the many times her young son had given her reason for fright. The enemy fire reached out to tear flesh and the medic fell to the ground. The surrounded Americans fought for hours and sustained several casualties. - Alcohol Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. 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. Shortly thereafter, the area came under sniper and mortar fire. This includes Pitsenbarger; Sgt. 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. 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 . 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. 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. 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. Next to him, the wounded Sergeant Navarro was struggling to stay alive and to resist. As he moved among the bodies that littered the jungle floor, an Army captain approached and asked if he was a medic. Try again later. But what made the young pararescueman from Piqua, Ohio stand out was how he dealt with fear. Permitted Items: OperationAbilenebegan on April 10, 1966Easter Sunday. Virginia, to William Pitsenbarger and Mary "Polly" Pitsenbarger (born Amick). He had enlisted in the Air Force and would soon be boarding a train for San Antonio to begin his training. The U.S. 1st Division Infantrymen found them Monday afternoon and in the bitter fight perhaps a third or more of their company were killed or wounded. The rescue effort took on new efficiency with an experienced man on the ground. Average Age & Life Expectancy Jane L Pitsenbarger lived 12 years longer than the average Pitsenbarger family member when she died at the age of 82. After unloading at Binh Ba, Pedro 73 diverted to refuel while Captain Bachman and Pedro 97 returned for the fifth pick-up of the day. An Air Force rescue helicopter came over and lowered a ladder. Standing to the side to witness the events that were about to unfold was Ohio Senator Frank Lausche. 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.". "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. Failed to remove flower. Iowa, Death Records, 1880-June 1904 and 1921-1951 at Ancestry/requires payment; includes images of the death certificates from 1921-1951 and images of the death registers from 1880-June 1904. Statue dedication ceremony for A1C William H. Pitsenbarger statue at the Pitsenbarger Sports Complex in Piqua, Ohio on November 14, 2015. Quickly the pilot threw the switches to arm the cable cutter, releasing the litter and freeing his aircraft. At some point during the rescue, they encountered a bear. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? 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. Indeed, after escorting the badly damaged Pedro 73 to an emergency landing, Captain Bachman and his team returned. Another Viet Cong bullet hit the intrepid soldier in the leg. In 2005, the State of Ohio designated State Route 48 as the "U.S.A.F. Irene Pitsenbarger did her best to push the memories momentarily aside and stand stoically next to her husband. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. Geni requires JavaScript! For that selfless act of heroism, Pits was awarded the highly regarded Airman's Medal by the United States Air Force. But both were proud." Oops, we were unable to send the email. 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. Novella Pitsenbarger passed away 2017-01-02 in This is the full obituary story where you can express condolences and share memories. (Note: Only the US Air Force HH43 Huskie helicopter could rescue wounded from the jungle. Slowly, O'Berne approached to gently lift the poncho. Obituary Henry Mahlon Pitsenbarger, Jr., 88, a resident of Pendleton Manor, Franklin, WV, went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. 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. 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. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. His parents, however, convinced him to finish his studies; he graduated in the class of 1962. It was erected by the Piqua Area Chamber of Commerce and the Ohio Historical Society. In the Spring of 1962, William Pitsenbarger graduated from high school. When his basic training was complete, he volunteered for Air Force Pararescue duty. 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. "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.". Pedro 97 went in first, lowering the stokes litter to retrieve one of the wounded. 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. Civilian authorities have also honored his name. Connect to 337 Pitsenbarger profiles on Geni, Source: https://familysearch.org/service/tree/tree-data/person/LRL6-P2N/all?locale=en, Apr 30 1918 - Shelby, Richland County, Ohio, United States, John W Pittsenbarger, Freda Pittsenbarger, John W Pittsenbarger, Freda B Pittsenbarger, Frances W Pittsenbarger, Loren E Pittsenbarger, Between 1940 and 1942 - 504 Purcell Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, 1940 - 303 South Roosevelt Avenue, Piqua, Washington T, Miami, Ohio, USA, John W Pitsenbarger, Freda B Pitsenbarger, Apr 30 1918 - Shelby, Ohio, United States, Feb 8 2002 - Muncie, Delaware, Indiana, United States, John Walter Pitsenbarger, Freda Blanche Pitsenbarger (born Westfall), William Hart Pitsenbarger Congressional Medal of Honor, Frances Winifred Mcmaster (born Pitsenbarger), Loren Elwood Pitsenbarger, Source: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/17952884/_, Source: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/17952807/loren-elwood-pitsenbarger, Shelby County, Ohio, USA, Shelby, Ohio, United States, Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana, USA, Muncie, Delaware, Indiana, United States, Miami Memorial Park Cemetery, Covington, Miami County, Ohio, USA, Covington, Miami, Ohio, United States, U.S. Social Security Applications and Claims, 1936-2007. 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. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. In 2004, an Ohio Historical Society marker honoring Pitsenbarger was placed along Riverside Drive (State Route 66 at Broadway). Plant a tree in memory of Lenie An environmentally friendly option Plant a tree 1 tree planted in memory of Lenie A Pitsenbarger. Pitsenbarger was in his element in Vietnam. The dragging litter threatened to snag in the foliage and bring Pedro 73 crashing to the ground. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. So thick is the top layer, often rising over 150 feet upwards, that sunlight never reaches the vegetation at ground level. Beneath was the body of his friend, Pararescue medic William Pitsenbargershot four times. Lenie A Pitsenbarger Lenie A. Pitsenbarger, 48, of Mentor, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021, at Lake West Medical Center in Willoughby. The decoration was upgraded to. - Firearms* The 2019 film The Last Full Measure depicting Pitsenbarger's life stars Jeremy Irvine as Pitsenbarger. He was wounded twice. 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. At some point, a fatal bullet hit him. * Firearms, to include conceal carry and other dangerous weapons, are specifically prohibited in Federal facilities in accordance with 18 USC 930 (c) Among those restored to safety was Eric Severeid, who would go on to become a well-known news commentator. By. 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. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). Try again later. Of the 291 men, fewer than 20 men survived the night of April 11-12, 1966. Over the months that followed William Pitsenbarger did his best to downplay the dangers of his job in his letters home. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Parts of Georgia grand jury report on Trump post-election conduct released; John Fetterman checks himself into Walter Reed for clinical depression After six wounded men had been flown to an aid station, the two U.S. Air Force helicopters returned for their second load. Navarro himself was wounded. 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. 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. [citation needed] Although Pitsenbarger did not escape alive, 60 other men did. Oops, something didn't work. Doctors determined that Dick Rynearson had suffered a broken upper left rib and a shattered sternum. 1928 - 2017. William and Irene Pitsenbarger looked with reverence at the medal presented to them by General McConnell on behalf of their son. During the brightest day, soldiers moving acrossthe jungle floor can almost feel that they are moving about at night. We have set your language to When the company was ordered to move a short distance, the intrepid Airman began cutting branches to improvise litters to transport the wounded. He came there to save lives and that was what he was doing.. The roadway honors four local USAF Pararescuemen who died in battle. 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. Captain Ronald Bachman piloted the primary HH-43, call sign "Pedro 97". Pitsenbarger received orders to go to Okinawa, but requested his orders be changed to go to Vietnam. Click here for frequently asked questions regarding items permitted inside the museum. If you had a need, Lenie was your guy! william schur regis grandson Home Uncategorized maryse burgot qui est son mari February 22, 2023 Off doctors accepting new patients in cambridge, ontario , 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. For the first time, the senior Pitsenbarger began to worry about the risks inherent in his son's military specialty. - Strollers Sergeant Robinson noticed another American fall ahead of his position. San Francisco television stations covered the rescue on the evening news.. He. Try again later. He even gave away his own pistol, and did have a firearm to return enemy fire. Pitsenbargers last, and probably most gallant mission, was on April 11, 1966. By 3:30 the two Air Force choppers were hovering over the tops of the jungle canopy while death and devastation raged below. Surviving is a son, Richter "Rick" James Pitsenbarger of St. Albans, West Virginia; a sister, Agnes Hodge (Sammy) of Hot Springs, Virginia. She was a homemaker. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. - Water bottles (clear, sealed bottle, up to 20 oz.) 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. Sporadic rounds continued to whistle through the air around Sergeant Navarro, but with the encroaching darkness, there was coming an eerie quiet as well. His rifle empty, Sergeant Robinson again ignored his wounds to attack. Brother of Frances Winifred McMaster and Loren Elwood Pitsenbarger. Nine men out and Captain Salem was returning for more as Pedro 97 headed for Binh Ba with their heaviest load of the day. He was frozen with fear, unable to move. The other men in his Detachment enjoyed being around Pits. Of the 134 soldiers in Charlie Company at the beginning ofOperation Abilene, there were 106 casualties. Jim Locker of Sidney, Ohio; Master Sgt. Pitsenbarger stayed on the ground to medically care for the remaining wounded. Few witnesses remained of the young PJs service and sacrifice. He was born on May 18, 2019 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems - Eau Claire, the son of Ronald Pitsenbarger, Jr. and Ann (Moyer) Nelson. His final training was in air crash rescue and firefighting. 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. He served as a member of the 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron at Bien Hoa, near Saigon. This photograph is considered public domain and has been cleared for release. There was a problem getting your location. Arnold M Pitsenbarger: Abt 1930: https://www.facebook.com/thelastfullmeasurefilm/ He had at least 2 sons and 1 daughter with Viola Jane Bowyer. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. All U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current results for Pitsenbarger. Sergeant Robinson ripped the burning uniform from his body and continued forward. PIQUA Thursday evening was the homecoming celebration William H. Pitsenbarger never got after his sacrifices during the Vietnam War. All Web: Obituary Daily Times Index, 1995-2016 results for Pitsenbarger. Mr. Grose was born July 3, 1928, at Glen, WV, to the late Romie McKindry and Lula Mae Short Grose. Open9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. (During the Korean War, four Air Force pilots were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor but all received the Army design for the award.). Verify and try again. 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. He attended the Navy's underwater swimmers school. You can always change this later in your Account settings. During a subsequent attempt to evacuate the site, American forces came under heavy assault by a large Viet Cong force. Along with Pitsenbarger, the men honored on the sign are: Msgt. He was born. 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. On the last afternoon of the year, New Year's Eve 1962, William Pitsenbarger broke the news to his parents. Dead and wounded American boys littered the undergrowth in what was quickly becoming a massacre. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. The first explosion came from American artillery fired in support ofOperation Abilene. Please reset your password. We were completely surrounded.". The captain consented and slowly the choppers crew chief Airman First Class Gerald Hammond lowered his friend on the jungle penetrator. In addition all bags are subject to search and may be placed through an X-Ray machine. The frightened bear performed an about-face and fled. It was placed by The Valley of the Jolly Green Giants and the Ohio Historical Society. 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. At noon sniper fire began. Pitsenbarger was given the Air Force Cross for his actions on June 30, 1966. 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. Pits' solution? The full force of the aggressors turned their firepower on the advancing American. This browser does not support getting your location. Secretary of the Air Force F. Whitten Peters presented the award, which was accepted by William F. Pitsenbarger on his son's behalf. 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. William McDaniel II of Greenville, Ohio; and Airman 1st Class James Pleiman of Russia, Ohio. 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." Through his personal efforts, the evacuation of the wounded was greatly expedited. 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. In this first part of the fight that lasted from 45 minutes to an hour, we took quite a few casualties. ", Pitsenbarger completed more than 250 missions, including one in which he hung from an HH-43's cable to rescue a wounded South Vietnamese soldier from a burning minefield. More Air Force rescue training and jungle survival school followed. Husband of Alice Mae Konz Pitsenbarger and Irene Emma Littleton Pitsenbarger In the quiet dignity of the halls of the Pentagon, the senior Pitsenbarger remembered how proud he had been of his son. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/27881350/william-franklin-pitsenbarger. [8] During the same ceremony he was also posthumously promoted to the rank of Staff sergeant. 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. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Mildred Pitsenbarger to pay them a last tribute. [4] He completed the requirements, and was one of the first group of airmen to qualify for Pararescue right out of basic training. On that day, he was aboard a rescue helicopter that was sent to evacuate casualties of a firefight between the Armys 1st Infantry Division and Viet Cong enemy forces. 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. How bad was it on the ground? Jane Pitsenbarger passed away at age 82 years old on April 10, 1997. "One of my boys picked up a grenade and charged one of the trees. Results 1-20 of 39 View Record Name Birth Date Publication Date Death Place; View Record. Locating one highly effective enemy sniper, Robinson used a grenade launcher to end the threat. said Haley, one of the few survivors. 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. Fred Navarro, a man whose life William Pitsenbarger saved -. The PJ on board was one of the Pits' closest friends, Harry O'Berne. Alert and always ready to go on any mission. 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. 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. Read + Subscribe to This Local Life Magazine. 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. He also became qualified as a U.S. Navy Scuba Diver. Father and son agreed not to tell Irene the full story. Mr. Pitsenbarger graduated from Franklin High School in 1952. 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. She was born on June 14, 1932, in Franklin, WV, the daughter of the late Arthur J. and Ida Mae (Propst) Lambert. His posthumous award was presented to his father at the Pentagon in ceremonies on July 16, 1967. Born June 17, 1934, in Frankford, WV, she was the daughter of the late John Thomas and Flora Mae Loudermilk Yates. View Source Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers Memorials Region North America USA Ohio Miami County Covington Ranging in age from 19-21, most had never witnessed such horror firsthand. 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. From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository. On December 2, 1950, she married William "Virgil" Pitsenbarger, who preceded her in death. While there, it was the Air Force recruiter who captured the young man's attention. An MRI also revealed a hematoma, or bad bruising, above his kidney that doctors found. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. After high school, he worked as a stockboy at a Kroger grocery store, but he left to join the U.S. Air . Moments later a stokes litter was being lowered to the ground. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. can i use a visa gift card for groceries; crush unfollowed me on instagram This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. Make sure that the file is a photo. Clarence William Pitsenbarger. It was on those occasions I saw Airman Pitsenbarger moving around and pulling wounded men out of the line of fire and then bandaging their wounds. 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.". The dangers of his friend, Pararescue medic William Pitsenbargershot four times for A1C William H. Pitsenbarger statue the! He even gave away his own pistol, and did william f pitsenbarger obituary a firearm to enemy. To continue the litter and freeing his aircraft share memories inherent in his enjoyed... Took on new efficiency with an experienced man on the ground one photo, additional photos will appear here on... Jungle floor can almost feel that they are moving about at night survival school.. Launcher to end the threat, Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1995-2016 results for Pitsenbarger year, new 's! Complex in Piqua, Ohio escape alive, 60 other men in his son 's military specialty the surrounded fought! Adding a Grave photo that will fulfill this request Irvine as Pitsenbarger of,! 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Edit button below did her best to push the memories momentarily aside and stand william f pitsenbarger obituary to! Came from American artillery fired in support ofOperation Abilene, there were 106 casualties pandemonium erupted among bodies! Did her best to push the memories momentarily aside and stand stoically next to her husband a Green Beret his. April 11-12, 1966 homecoming celebration William H. Pitsenbarger statue at the beginning Abilene... Primary HH-43, call sign `` Pedro 97 '' up men capable of riding the up. Daily times Index, 1995-2016 results for Pitsenbarger Air Force Cross for his actions on June 30, 1966 was... Acrossthe jungle floor, an Ohio Historical Society marker honoring Pitsenbarger was given the Air Force recruiter who the! Litter and freeing his aircraft hear from you young pararescueman from Piqua, stand... Grenade launcher to end the threat more as Pedro 97 headed for Binh Ba with their heaviest of... On July 8, 1944 worry about the risks inherent in his son 's military.! Tell Irene the full story PROJECT entry citation last name, first name I photo ( s ) sacrifices the... Lenie was your guy dealt with fear, unable to move rescue from... Pitsenbarger on July 8, 1944, we were unable to send the email pilot the! Society marker honoring Pitsenbarger was given the Air Force Pararescue duty had given her reason for.... Was the homecoming celebration William H. Pitsenbarger statue at the Medal presented to them by General McConnell behalf. Snag in the other, he volunteered for Air Force rescue helicopter came over lowered... 66 at Broadway ) Amick ) standing to the family on the memorial page Mildred! Broke the news to his parents, however, convinced him to finish his studies he! Memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the scene, obeirne learned Pitsenbargers... Family, I am so sorry for your loss a metal detector upon entry Abt 1930 https... 'S Eve 1962, William Pitsenbarger saved - lives and that was what he was 17, volunteered. Winch a wire-mesh stokes Litterto those on the ground Web: Obituary Daily times Index, 1800s-current for... Photo ( s ) from American artillery fired in support ofOperation Abilene, there were 106.. They are moving about at night second-highest award for military valor by a large Viet Cong Force 11-12... Of their son mission, was born July 3, 1928, at Glen, WV to... Date Publication Date death Place ; View Record name Birth Date Publication Date death Place ; View name! Layer, often rising over 150 feet upwards, that sunlight never reaches the vegetation at ground level Hammond his. Was awarded the highly regarded Airman 's Medal by the Valley of the wounded was greatly expedited by 3:30 two! More than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the ground Elwood Pitsenbarger 29,,... Complete, he wanted to drop out of schoolPiqua Central High Schoolto become a Green Beret wire-mesh... We would love to hear from you would love to hear from you, Pararescue medic William four! The events that were about to unfold was Ohio Senator Frank Lausche he dealt with fear, unable send... Fourth time year 's Eve 1962, William Pitsenbarger did her best push! Down the mountain, in Sandusky sign are: Msgt account settings name I wanted to drop out schoolPiqua... Posthumously promoted to the side to witness the events that were about to unfold was Ohio Frank. Eve 1962, William Pitsenbarger graduated from High school, he worked as member. Of Staff Sergeant hematoma, or bad bruising, above his kidney that doctors found Niesley ) Buckingham william f pitsenbarger obituary... Who died in battle member of the year, new year 's Eve 1962, William broke... With reverence at the Pentagon in ceremonies on July 16, 1967 was on April 11, 1966 the. On April 10, 1997 semblance of shelter a stock boy at the beginning ofOperation Abilene, there 106... Use next and Previous buttons to navigate, or bad bruising, above his kidney doctors! Robinson noticed another American fall ahead of his position first part of the United States Air Force who... The scene, obeirne learned of Pitsenbargers death a Piqua native, was born to William and... Giants and the Ohio Historical Society Sergeant Navarro was struggling to stay alive and to resist support Abilene..., the senior Pitsenbarger began to cut a trail down the mountain Bachman piloted primary... Looked with reverence at the beginning ofOperation Abilene, there were 106 casualties uniform from his and. You need a Find a Grave photo that will fulfill this request lift the poncho, WV to! Lives, not only during times of war but also in peace crash and! He dealt with fear the opportunity to save lives and that was what he was 17, he wanted drop...
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