William Pitsenbarger

U.S. Air Force
Medal Of Honor, Vietnam

 Photo Courtesy of HomeOfHeroes.com

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Airman First Class Pitsenbarger was aboard a rescue helicopter responding to a call for evacuation of casualties incurred in an on-going firefight between soldiers of the Army's 1st Infantry Division and a sizable enemy force. He volunteered to ride a hoist more than one hundred feet through the jungle to the ground where he coordinated rescue efforts, cared for the wounded and prepared casualties for evacuation. As each of the nine casualties were recovered, Pitsenbarger refused evacuation in order to get one more soldier to safety. One of the two rescue helicopters was struck by enemy ground fire and forced to leave the scene. Pitsenbarger stayed behind to perform medical duties, took up arms with the besieged infantrymen, and courageously resisted the enemy. 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. He valiantly fought on, treating as many wounded as possible. American forces suffered 80 percent casualties when their perimeter was breached, and Pitsenbarger was fatally wounded. He exposed himself to certain death by staying on the ground, and perished while saving the lives of wounded infantrymen.

William Pitsenbarger was originally awarded the Air Force Cross, which was upgraded to the Medal of Honor more than three decades later.

Airman First Class Pitsenbarger was aboard a rescue helicopter responding to a call for evacuation of casualties incurred in an on-going firefight between soldiers of the Army's 1st Infantry Division and a sizable enemy force. He volunteered to ride a hoist more than one hundred feet through the jungle to the ground where he coordinated rescue efforts, cared for the wounded and prepared casualties for evacuation. As each of the nine casualties were recovered, Pitsenbarger refused evacuation in order to get one more soldier to safety. One of the two rescue helicopters was struck by enemy ground fire and forced to leave the scene. Pitsenbarger stayed behind to perform medical duties, took up arms with the besieged infantrymen, and courageously resisted the enemy. 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. He valiantly fought on, treating as many wounded as possible. American forces suffered 80 percent casualties when their perimeter was breached, and Pitsenbarger was fatally wounded. He exposed himself to certain death by staying on the ground, and perished while saving the lives of wounded infantrymen.

William Pitsenbarger was originally awarded the Air Force Cross, which was upgraded to the Medal of Honor more than three decades later.

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