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A native of Piqua, Ohio, Bill Pitsenbarger was
nearing the end of his enlistment in April 1966,
when he gave his life in service to America. Prior
to his death, he had participated in over 300
rescue missions in his less-than-one-year tour of
duty in Vietnam.
He was only the second enlisted member of the
United States Air Force to receive the nation’s
highest award for Valor, and the first Non-
Commissioned Officer (NCO). His award was
presented posthumously to his parents at a
ceremony at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
near Dayton, Ohio by the Secretary of the Air
Force, Whit Peters on behalf of the President.
Initially, his actions during his final mission were
recognized with a posthumous award of the Air
Force Cross, which is the highest award that the
Air Force can bestow. Upon further review in the
1990s, following input from survivors and
witnesses, it was determined that the Medal of
Honor would more accurately characterize
Pitsenbarger heroism.
nearing the end of his enlistment in April 1966,
when he gave his life in service to America. Prior
to his death, he had participated in over 300
rescue missions in his less-than-one-year tour of
duty in Vietnam.
He was only the second enlisted member of the
United States Air Force to receive the nation’s
highest award for Valor, and the first Non-
Commissioned Officer (NCO). His award was
presented posthumously to his parents at a
ceremony at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
near Dayton, Ohio by the Secretary of the Air
Force, Whit Peters on behalf of the President.
Initially, his actions during his final mission were
recognized with a posthumous award of the Air
Force Cross, which is the highest award that the
Air Force can bestow. Upon further review in the
1990s, following input from survivors and
witnesses, it was determined that the Medal of
Honor would more accurately characterize
Pitsenbarger heroism.
| Airman Bill “Pits” Pitsenbarger |
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