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CITATION READS:
Airman First Class Pitsenbarger distinguished
himself by extreme valor on 11 April 1966 near Cam
My, Republic of Vietnam, while assigned as a
Pararescue Crew Member, Detachment 6, 38th
Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron. On
that date, Airman Pitsenbarger was aboard a
rescue helicopter responding to a call for
evacuation of casualties incurred in an on-going
firefight between elements of the United States
Army’s 1st Infantry Division and a sizeable enemy
force approximately 35 miles east of Saigon.
With complete disregard for his personal safety,
Airman Pitsenbarger volunteered to ride a hoist
more than one hundred feet through the jungle to
the ground. 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.
Through his personal efforts, the evacuation of the
wounded was greatly expedited. As each of the
nine casualties evacuated that day were recovered,
Pitsenbarger refused evacuation in order to get
one more wounded soldier to safety. After several
pick-ups, one of the two rescue helicopters involved
in the evacuation was struck by heavy enemy
ground fire and was forced to leave the scene for
an emergency landing.
Airman First Class Pitsenbarger distinguished
himself by extreme valor on 11 April 1966 near Cam
My, Republic of Vietnam, while assigned as a
Pararescue Crew Member, Detachment 6, 38th
Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron. On
that date, Airman Pitsenbarger was aboard a
rescue helicopter responding to a call for
evacuation of casualties incurred in an on-going
firefight between elements of the United States
Army’s 1st Infantry Division and a sizeable enemy
force approximately 35 miles east of Saigon.
With complete disregard for his personal safety,
Airman Pitsenbarger volunteered to ride a hoist
more than one hundred feet through the jungle to
the ground. 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.
Through his personal efforts, the evacuation of the
wounded was greatly expedited. As each of the
nine casualties evacuated that day were recovered,
Pitsenbarger refused evacuation in order to get
one more wounded soldier to safety. After several
pick-ups, one of the two rescue helicopters involved
in the evacuation was struck by heavy enemy
ground fire and was forced to leave the scene for
an emergency landing.
| Citation to accompany the award of the Medal of Honor to . Airman First Class William H. Pitsenbarger . For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty |
Airman Pitsenbarger stayed behind, on the ground,
to perform medical duties. Shortly thereafter, the
area came under sniper and mortar fire. During a
subsequent attempt to evacuate the site, American
forces came under heavy assault by a large Viet
Cong force. When the enemy launched the
assault, the evacuation was called off, and Airman
Pitsenbarger took up arms with the besieged
infantrymen.
He courageously resisted the enemy, braving
intense gunfire to gather and distribute vital
ammunition to American defenders As the battle
raged on, 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.
Despite his wounds, he valiantly fought on,
simultaneously treating as many wounded as
possible. 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.
Airman Pitsenbarger exposed himself to almost
certain death by staying on the ground, and
perished while saving the lives of wounded
infantrymen. 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.
to perform medical duties. Shortly thereafter, the
area came under sniper and mortar fire. During a
subsequent attempt to evacuate the site, American
forces came under heavy assault by a large Viet
Cong force. When the enemy launched the
assault, the evacuation was called off, and Airman
Pitsenbarger took up arms with the besieged
infantrymen.
He courageously resisted the enemy, braving
intense gunfire to gather and distribute vital
ammunition to American defenders As the battle
raged on, 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.
Despite his wounds, he valiantly fought on,
simultaneously treating as many wounded as
possible. 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.
Airman Pitsenbarger exposed himself to almost
certain death by staying on the ground, and
perished while saving the lives of wounded
infantrymen. 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.
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| Mr. Pitsenbarger receiving his son's medal. |