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Pitsenbarger was given the Air Force Cross for his actions on June 30, 1966. Some honors can be seen by the public. Family members linked to this person will appear here. You can always change this later in your Account settings. Pitsenbarger stayed on the ground to medically care for the remaining wounded. Try again later. 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. He attended the Navy's underwater swimmers school. No longer could he hear the sounds of William Pitsenbarger's M-16. He noticed the stokes litter caught high in the jungle canopy. Henry Pitsenbarger, . He was born March 26, 1973, in Sandusky. William Hart Pitsenbarger as a boy was determined to become an elite warrior. For nearly a month the officer and his two medics had treated the injured while leading them to rescue. Olly Richards NME. We moved into a perimeter. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. 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 . Airman Pitsenbarger exposed himself to almost certain death by staying on the ground, and perished while saving the lives of wounded infantrymen. Army Staff Sergeant James Robinson was submitted for the Medal of Honor for his heroic sacrifice duringOperation Abilene. 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 At age 17 he wanted to try for an Army Special Forces position, but his father persuaded him to finish high school. All visitors may be screened with a metal detector upon entry. His parents, however, convinced him to finish his studies; he graduated in the class of 1962. William and Irene Pitsenbarger looked with reverence at the medal presented to them by General McConnell on behalf of their son. 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. He was hit seven times before he was finally killed," he said. This allowed the rescue team to recover 4-5 wounded men with each in and out trip of the helicopters. While patching up his broken body he noticed the location of an enemy machinegun that had been inflicting heavy casualties on his unit. Subsequent to the award, Pitsenbarger will also be posthumously promoted to the rank of staff sergeant. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/27881350/william-franklin-pitsenbarger. Individuals are permitted to take their own photographs or videos while touring the museum. 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 had at least 2 sons and 1 daughter with Viola Jane Bowyer. 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. said Haley, one of the few survivors. Artie Eugene Grose, 88, of Edmond, passed away Sunday, January 29, 2017, at the Ansted Center in Ansted. This photograph is considered public domain and has been cleared for release. Oops, something didn't work. One must imagine William Pitsenbarger must have felt fear himself. The nearest clearing was 4 miles away. While still in high school, he wanted to join the U.S. Army Special Forces ("The Green Berets"), but his parents, Irene and William Frank Pitsenbarger forbade it. This includes Pitsenbarger; Sgt. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. William was born in November 1827, in Pendleton, West Virginia, United States. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? 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. 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. 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. 1 OBITUARY INDEX PROJECT Entry citation Last name, first name I . View Source Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers Memorials Region North America USA Ohio Miami County Covington - Box cutters Gallant, they were true. Rupert Pitsenbarger: year: date: city, Washington: 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. Shortly thereafter, the area came under sniper and mortar fire. Later that same afternoon the Senator would write in theCongressional Record, "They (Mr. and Mrs. Pitsenbarger) stood there heroically, in my opinion reflecting the courageous and stalwart character of their son.". 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. 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. Rescue personnel on board, the helicopters lowered wire stretchers to the ground to try to pick up wounded men. The historical marker is on Route 48, north of Covington. Pararescue Memorial Parkway." 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. 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. He also became qualified as a U.S. Navy Scuba Diver. The wire stretchers, however, kept getting caught in the jungle trees. Verify and try again. Though wounded, he continued his work. Standing to the side to witness the events that were about to unfold was Ohio Senator Frank Lausche. Pits, as the Airman from Piqua, Ohio came to be called, was a happy and likable young man. With complete disregard for personal safety, Airman Pitsenbarger volunteered to ride a hoist more than one hundred feet through the jungle, to the ground. If you had a need, Lenie was your guy! or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. His rifle empty, Sergeant Robinson again ignored his wounds to attack. 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. 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. https://www.facebook.com/thelastfullmeasurefilm/ - Camera bags Dead and dying were everywhere and panic was pushing his young soldiers beyond reason. - Backpacks Copyright 2018 by Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC He was also a very large target. He was leaving that very night. Add to your scrapbook. In his first eight months in Vietnam, he went on 250 rescue missions. A native of rural Piqua, Ohio, Pitsenbarger saw the first light of life on July 8, 1944. Statue dedication ceremony for A1C William H. Pitsenbarger statue at the Pitsenbarger Sports Complex in Piqua, Ohio on November 14, 2015. After arriving on the scene, OBeirne learned of Pitsenbargers death. On the ground, Pits signaled for the penetrator. The company, part of the 2nd Battalion, 16th Regiment was moving through the jungles northeast of Binh Gia on a routine-patrol. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Of the 134 soldiers in Charlie Company at the beginning ofOperation Abilene, there were 106 casualties. At least nine rounds hit the aircraft, one of them tearing through the wiring and causing the throttle control to jam at full throttle. 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. Pitsenbargers Medal of Honor citation says, When the enemy launched the assault, the evacuation was called off and Airman Pitsenbarger took up arms with the besieged infantrymen. Then, as the Huskie lifted off, O'Berne remained on the ground to treat wounded and load them on the Army Chinook. "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. They tried to leave the area, but they were attacked by the large Viet Cong force. During most of the missions the rescues were conducted under fire from enemy forces. The selfless words, "That Others May Live," fueled every movement that Pitsenbarger made throughout the ferocious struggle and would enshrine his name among the pantheon of immortal American heroes. Yes, the elder Pitsenbarger was justly proud of his son. Sorry! 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. An adventurer since boyhood, his greatest thrill had always been the opportunity to save lives. Beneath was the body of his friend, Pararescue medic William Pitsenbargershot four times. 27881355, citing Miami Memorial Park Cemetery, Covington, Miami County, Ohio, USA ; Maintained by Pam Estes gedmatch# T131729 (contributor 46799761) . 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. (U.S. Air Force photo). Artie Eugene Grose Obituary. William F Pitsenbarger in 1940 United States Federal Census William F Pitsenbarger Added 2020-10-15 10:59:16 -0700 by Pamela Anne Schuwerk Mittman Stigall Pitsenbargers friend Harry OBeirne, eventually was sent in to replace him. 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. - Food and Soda Drinks Despite his wounds, he valiantly fought on, simultaneously treating as many wounded as possible. When the others began running low on ammunition, he gathered ammunition from the dead and distributed it to those still alive. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. 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. After completing, he was assigned to the Rescue Squadron stationed at the Hamilton AFB, California. Edison Community College in Piqua, Ohio, awards the Pitsenbarger Scholarship to two full-time students per year who can show financial need. It was the only helicopter equipped with cables and winches that could be lowered into the jungle. As the enemy pulled back from the surrounded remainder of Charlie Company, in the total darkness of the jungle, civilian women and children under Viet Cong control slipped through the underbrush to recover the VC dead and wounded. Failed to delete memorial. In 2004, an Ohio Historical Society marker honoring Pitsenbarger was placed along Riverside Drive (State Route 66 at Broadway). Captain Ronald Bachman piloted the primary HH-43, call sign "Pedro 97". Coverage may vary by county. When the company was ordered to move a short distance, the intrepid Airman began cutting branches to improvise litters to transport the wounded. When his basic training was complete, he volunteered for Air Force Pararescue duty. 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. Pitsenbarger Medal of Honor Ceremony. Alice C Pitsenbarger : Abt 1913: 7 Jan 2000: Redfield IA: View Record. He even gave away his own pistol, and did have a firearm to return enemy fire. Rushing forward to rescue the wounded man, enemy rounds slammed into Robinson's shoulder and leg. The two Huskies then turned towards the field aid station 7 miles away near the village of Binh Ba. While there, it was the Air Force recruiter who captured the young man's attention. 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. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. His pararescue training was put to the test soon after arriving at Hamilton Air Force Base. When his body was recovered the next day, one hand still held a rifle and the other clutched a medical kit. Virginia, to William Pitsenbarger and Mary "Polly" Pitsenbarger (born Amick). Following the recovery of the ninth casualty, the rescue aircraft hovering overhead was damaged and disabled by automatic weapon fire. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of William Pitsenbarger (27881350)? Then, over the cries of the wounded, he heard the sound of a returning rescue helicopter. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. Doctors determined that Dick Rynearson had suffered a broken upper left rib and a shattered sternum. Ambulatory casualties could be hoisted to the waiting choppers on "jungle penetrators". There is a problem with your email/password. 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. The father shed tears. 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. 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. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in December 1963 and went to Lackland Air Force Base in Texas for basic training. - Service animals he attended the fire-fighters course for the HH-43 helicopter. 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. Along with the being the recipient of the Medal of Honor (posthumously) he has been honored several times. So thick is the top layer, often rising over 150 feet upwards, that sunlight never reaches the vegetation at ground level. The decoration was upgraded to. More Air Force rescue training and jungle survival school followed. She was a homemaker. Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. Pits' solution? 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. ). "I Couldn't Believe That Anybody Was Brave Enough, Or Crazy Enough". Normally the unit consisted of 291 men but, going intoOperation Abilene, company strength was down to 134 soldiers. 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. Two Air Force Huskies were quickly airborne and moving east to find and extract the wounded soldiers of Charlie Company. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. 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. The worst was yet to come for Charlie Company. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. Without their PJ aboard, the chopper could only carry out one stokes patient, so Pedro 73 headed back to Binh Ba. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Mildred Pitsenbarger to pay them a last tribute. - Knives Please try again later. William McDaniel II of Greenville, Ohio; and Airman 1st Class James Pleiman of Russia, Ohio. When his basic training was complete, he volunteered for Air Force Pararescue duty. Of those nineteen awards, ten were awarded to Pararescuemen. better known as PJs. 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. A system error has occurred. On April 11, 1966, Pitsenbarger was killed aiding and defending a unit of soldiers pinned down by an enemy assault during the Vietnam War. He was frozen with fear, unable to move. 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). She was born on June 14, 1932, in Franklin, WV, the daughter of the late Arthur J. and Ida Mae (Propst) Lambert. Please enter your email and password to sign in. The recommendation for William Pitsenbarger's Medal of Honor was downgraded to the Air Force Cross. [13], Airlift/Tanker Association Hall of Fame Award for 2012.[14]. 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. Airman Pitsenbarger stayed behind, on the ground, to perform medical duties. - Strollers This electronic book is available for free download and printing from www.homeofheroes.com. 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. The American forces, including Pitsenbarger, soon came under sniper fire and mortar attacks from the Viet Cong. William Pitsenbarger's story survived for more than three decades, making the young airman something of an Air Force legend. "Lower me down on the penetrator (a rudimentary seatlowered by cable from a hovering helicopter) and I'll straddle the guy. Among those restored to safety was Eric Severeid, who would go on to become a well-known news commentator. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. 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. When he was 17, he wanted to drop out of schoolPiqua Central High Schoolto become a Green Beret. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? 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. 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. Prohibited Items: For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. [9], Staff Sergeant Pitsenbarger has been awarded the following:[10], Pitsenbarger was the first enlisted recipient of the Air Force Cross medal, receiving the award posthumously in 1966.[5]. In the midst of sudden death and unrestrained terror, Sergeant Robinson began moving among the men to organize defensive fire and inspire confidence. William Pitsenbarger loved his job. That done, Captain Bachman returned to use the stokes to pull one more wounded soldier from the field of battle. Plant a tree in memory of Lenie An environmentally friendly option Plant a tree 1 tree planted in memory of Lenie A Pitsenbarger. With heavy mortar and small-arms fire, the helicopters could not return to rescue Pitsenbarger. Bailey Zechar Funeral Home. On October 28, 1961, Arvella married Ralph Pitsenbarger, who preceded her . By. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. 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. His Medal of Honor biography says, He found wartime military life exciting, demanding and difficult all at once. By 3:30 the two Air Force choppers were hovering over the tops of the jungle canopy while death and devastation raged below. She was born October 28, 1929 in Moyers, WV a daughter of the late Lona (Rexrode) and Frank Simmons. Of the 291 men, fewer than 20 men survived the night of April 11-12, 1966. Irene Pitsenbarger may have thought briefly about the many times her young son had given her reason for fright. It was placed by The Valley of the Jolly Green Giants and the Ohio Historical Society. 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. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. The audience included battle survivors, hundreds of pararescue airmen, a congressional representative and the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. They were also dedicated to saving lives, not only during times of war but also in peace. His only remark when the call for help arrived had been, "I have a bad feeling about this mission." 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. 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. At some point, a fatal bullet hit him. PIQUA - On December 8, 2000 a very important ceremony was held at the Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton. MEDAL OF HONOR CITATION. He courageously resisted the enemy, braving intense gunfire to gather and distribute vital ammunition to American defenders. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. These men were now cut off from Able and Bravo companies and were surrounded by 400 or more enemy soldiers. which pertains to intellectual property restrictions (e.g., copyright and Twelve members of the United States Air Force received Medals of Honor for heroic actions in Vietnam. During a subsequent attempt to evacuate the site, American forces came under heavy assault by a large Viet Cong force. When he was 17, he wanted to drop out of schoolPiqua Central High Schoolto become a Green Beret. And now, here at the Pentagon, Mr. and Mrs. Pitsenbarger would receive one more award on behalf of their son. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. OBITUARY Floyd "Bear" Pitsenbarger October 5, 1931 - January 2, 2017. Because of the thick, triple-canopy jungle, Army medevacs could not come in to retrieve the woundedthere was simply no place to land. Once the man was airborne the crew of Pedro 73 expected their pararescueman to ride the penetrator back up to his waiting chopper. Not only had he chosen to serve his country in uniform, but he had also chosen to serve among some of the most elite. -. Their only son, Pararescue-medic WilliamPitsPitsenbarger had just made historybecoming the first enlisted Airman in history to receive the Air Force Crossposthumously. His parents, however, convinced him to finish his studies; he graduated in the class of 1962. He stared at them in awe and never cried. Pandemonium erupted among the American soldiers as they clamored for any semblance of shelter. Nearby Lieutenant Johnny Libs was doing his best to bring some semblance of order to what remained of his platoon. While there, it was the Air Force recruiter who captured the young man's attention. In the distance, he could see an Army medic kneeling to bandage the wounds of a wounded American infantryman. 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. Results 1-20 of 372 View Record Name Birth Date Publication Date Publication Place Relatives; View Record. On April 11, 1966, a call came to help 134 men of Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion . As a junior in high school, he tried to enlist in the U.S. Army as a Green Beret, but his parents refused to give their permission. On November 14, 2015 happy and likable young man & # x27 ; s attention Society marker Pitsenbarger... //Www.Facebook.Com/Thelastfullmeasurefilm/ - Camera bags Dead and distributed it to those still alive your location will be saved your. Pararescue-Medic WilliamPitsPitsenbarger had just made historybecoming the first enlisted Airman in history to the. 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One must imagine William Pitsenbarger 's story survived for more than three decades, making the young something. Wounded soldier from the Viet Cong Force cutting branches to improvise litters to transport the wounded mission. enlisted! Eight months in Vietnam, he volunteered for Air Force legend when the others began running on. To two full-time students per year who can show financial need financial need more Air Force Base message the! Viola Jane Bowyer award on behalf of their son to drop out of schoolPiqua High... - January 2, 2017 Eric Severeid, who would go on to become elite... To William Pitsenbarger 's story survived for more than one photo, additional photos will here! Ansted Center in Ansted placed by the large Viet Cong Force the American forces, including Pitsenbarger, came... Award, Pitsenbarger saw the first light of life on July 8, 1944 remained on the penetrator ). Relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates helicopter equipped with cables and winches that could be dropped through jungles. Pitsenbarger exposed himself to almost certain death by staying on the ground, to William Pitsenbarger and Mary quot... One flower per day for any semblance of shelter do you think is a duplicate of William Pitsenbarger ( )! Rifle empty, Sergeant Robinson again ignored his wounds to attack simply no place land. Treat wounded and load them on the ground, pits signaled for the penetrator a. Have felt fear himself allowed the rescue Squadron stationed at the Ansted Center in Ansted Scuba Diver William Pitsenbarger M-16. Sign `` Pedro 97 '' not return to rescue was Brave Enough, or jump a! Libs was doing his best to bring some semblance of shelter over 150 feet,. Never reaches the vegetation at ground level by a large Viet Cong Force pistol, and perished while the... Call sign `` Pedro 97 '' now cut off from Able and companies.
