William H. Pitsenbarger

William Hart Pitsenbarger (July 8, 1944 - April 11, 1996) was a United States Air Force Pararescueman who flew on almost 300 rescue missions during the Vietnam War to aid downed soldiers and pilots. On April 11, 1966, he was killed aiding and defending a unit of soldiers pinned down by an enemy assault during the Vietnam War.

At the battle of Xa Cam My, Pararescue Airman Pitsenbarger refused evacuation and with disregard for personal safety, he remained behind to care for the numerous wounded soldiers. "Pits" courageously resisted the enemy, continually braving intense gunfire to treat the fallen. Wounded three times, he fought on with valor and died while saving the lives of injured infantrymen. Before his death he helped save over 60 men in the battle. He was initially posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross, which was later upgraded to the Medal of Honor. His bravery and determination reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, the United States Air Force and his country.

Airman First Class Pitsenbarger was one of the first to complete the extensive training required to be designated Pararescueman after completing the requisite training directly after basic training. His service included over 250 missions spanning two in-country deployments and a cable rescue of a RVN soldier from a burning minefield for which he was awarded the Airman’s Medal. On April 11, 1966, the joint Rescue Center dispatched two Husky HH-43F from Detachment 6, 38^th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron from Bien Hoa Air Base to evacuate U.S. Army causalities from what came to be known as the battle of Xa Cam My. AFC Pitsenbarger, although not on duty, volunteered to be a part of the air crew. Upon arrival, he was lowered to the ground through the jungle canopy to treat and prepare six casualties for evacuation by litter & cable. The two helicopters returned to evacuate additional casualties. As a result of heavy small arms fire while in the process of securing a causality’s litter to the cable, the pilot realized he was losing power and needed to leave quickly. Rather than joining the evacuation, AFC Pitsenbarger stepped away remaining to care for the wounded. So began an hour and half of intense combat with evacuation of the wounded, reinforcement, resupply, or rescue of the combatants impossible. Exposing himself to constant fire, Pitsenbarger pulled the injured to safety to give aid, hacking splints, and building shelters from vines, saplings, and debris. As ammunition ran low Pitsenbarger redistributed ammunition recovered from the dead, then joined the soldiers on the perimeter. Although wounded three times he fought on, simultaneously treating as many as possible. Over 80% casualties were taken as the VC breached the perimeter.  While during which SFC Pitsenbarger, continued to render care, often concealing the wounded from the Viet Cong beneath the corpses of fellow soldiers.  He was fatally wounded by a sniper. The following morning, his body was recovered with a rifle at one hand and his medical kit the other. The story of this courageous airman is immortalized in the film, The Last Full Measure, a film depicting that eventful day with Charley Company, and the 36-year effort to upgrade his Airforce Cross to the Medal of Honor. In doing so, AFC Pitsenbarger became the first Airforce enlisted man to receive the Medal of Honor.