937-773-5981 [fax], William H. Pitsenbarger was born in Piqua, Ohio July 8, 1944. 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. Three requirements had to be . Of the December Medal of Honor ceremony, Bob Ford said, It was a very sad thing, but a happy sad.. After review and nearly 35 years later, the original award was upgraded.[4][7]. Born in 1944 in Piqua, Ohio, William H. Pitsenbarger was an ambitious only child. Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Survivors include three daughters, Joyce Pitsenbarger of Piqua, Nancy (Randy) Nash of Richmond, Indiana, Ann (Roger) Toon of Piqua; eight grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; and a brother, Melvin Coburn of Kentucky. After graduating in 1962, Pitsenbarger joined the Air Force. I thought you might like to see a memorial for SSGT William Hart Pitsenbarger I found on Findagrave.com. Through his personal efforts, the evacuation of the wounded was greatly expedited. Create an obituary. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. She started her career with Piqua City Schools in 2003 as an aide at Wilder Intermediate before transitioning to Piqua High School in 2006. There was an error deleting this problem. Civilian authorities have also honored his name. Levitow died exactly one month before Frank Pitsenbarger was presented with his sons Medal of Honor. All visitors may be screened with a metal detector upon entry. Born: July 8, 1944, Piqua, Ohio Citation: Airman First Class Pitsenbarger distinguished himself by extreme valor on April 11, 1966 near Cam My, Republic of Vietnam, while assigned as a Pararescue Crew Member, Detachment 6, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron. Clarence William Pitsenbarger, 93 of New Weston, Ohio, passed away on Saturday August 21, 2021 at 12:10 AM at Versailles Rehab and Healthcare, Versailles, Ohio. The Air Force Sergeants Association annually confers a "Pitsenbarger Award," which recognizes an Air Force enlisted member for heroic acts on or off duty that . Funeral Home website by. The drill team of the AFJROTC unit at Martinsburg High School, Martinsburg WV is known as the Pitsenbarger Rifles. 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. Enter - Water bottles (clear, sealed bottle, up to 20 oz.) - Firearms* Alice Mae (Konz) Ptisenbarger passed away peacefully on October 24 surrounded by her family. Pitsenbarger was credited with saving nine lives, after several times refusing to be evacuated himself, during a fight in which 106 of the 134 troopers were killed or badly wounded. He attended Piqua public schools and participated in the Vocational Industrial Club, intramural sports, and wrestling. (U.S. Air Force photo), A1C William Pitsenbarger in scuba gear. https://www.military.com/off-duty/2020/01/23/how-william-pitsenbarg https://www.military.com/history/airman-1st-class-william-h-pitsenb https://www.airforcemag.com/article/pitsenbarger-on-the-big-screen/'', https://ohiomemory.org/digital/collection/p267401coll36/id/23980, 7875 North Crescent Road, Covington, Miami County, Ohio, United States. Enter In 1945, in the era of the U.S. Army Air Forces, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress crewman, Henry Erwin, was awarded the medal for saving his crew and aircraft on a bombing run over Japan. Oops, we were unable to send the email. On October 6, 2000, Congress approved a bill that included awarding the Medal of Honor to Pitsenbarger. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. We couldn't find the page you were looking for. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo), DAYTON, Ohio - William H. Pitsenbarger's personal effects sent to his parents following his death. He researched the case until early 1998, when he turned it over to Hayes, since he was leaving for a new job with the Air Force Enlisted Heritage Hall in Alabama. He was talking about Airman 1st Class William H. Pitsenbarger, an Air Force pararescue and medical specialist from Piqua, Ohio, who had voluntarily left the relative safety of a helicopter to descend into a brutal jungle battle to treat and evacuate wounded soldiers in 1966. You can always change this later in your Account settings. Johnny W. Libs, a seasoned jungle fighter who was leading Company C that day, said hed never seen a soldier who deserved the Medal of Honor more than Pitsenbarger. As we were [getting in position], I said, Pits, its hotter than hell down there; do you still want to go down? He said, Yes sir, I know I can really help out. He made a hell of a difference. He graduated from Piqua High School in 1962. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. This is either because: You can return to our homepage by clicking here, or you can try searching for the This browser does not support getting your location. At the same time, he amazingly proceeded to return enemy fire whenever he could, said Navarro, of San Antonio, Texas. In his work, and especially on his final mission, Airman 1st Class Pitsenbarger embodied the pararescueman's motto: "That Others May Live." Mrs. Pitsenbarger was a 1950 graduate of Piqua Central High School, worked at the former Superior Underwear Company, and assisted her husband with the Pitsenbarger Electric Company. To send flowers But in his short life and valorous Air Force career, he was an example of dedication, compassion and tenacity for all those with whom he served. Please check the URL and try again. A system error has occurred. Please enter your email and password to sign in. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. Please try again later. Messages run for up to one year and you An Army general recommended that the award be downgraded to the Air Force Cross, apparently because at the time there was not enough documentation of Pitsenbarger's actions. On April 7, 2001, Piqua held a community celebration of Pitsenbargers life and heroism, marked by the unveiling of a replica of an Ohio historical marker. Instead of climbing into the litter basket so he could leave with the helicopter, Pitsenbarger elected to remain with the Army troops under enemy attack and he gave a "wave-off" to the helicopter which flew away to safety. Also present were several of his school classmates and some of his Air Force friends, all of whom had worked to get him the medal. This is a carousel with slides. I dont remember how many wounded were taken out when we started taking small-arms fire, said Peters. Additionally, she was active with the Girl Scout and Boy Scout programs. Individuals are permitted to take their own photographs or videos while touring the museum. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. We were brave, too. - Strollers Pat Pitsenbarger was the Liberace of Sandusky, as a character calls him. Read. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. He would be the PJ-the Pararescue Jumper-on the second crew. Veterans Memorial Park Piqua, Miami County, Ohio GPS: 40.164293, -84.255619 . Powered By. (U.S. Air Force photo), DAYTON, Ohio - Pitsenbarger's uniform patches and badges, including pararescue insignia, parachute badges, and enlisted aircrew wings. William H. Pitsenbarger was only 21 years old when he was killed in action. She was preceded in death by a son, Charles Pitsenbarger, two sisters and four brothers. Normally, pararescuemen return to the helicopter, but Pitsenbarger chose to stay and help the beleaguered troops. On three different occasions I glimpsed movement, and it was Pits dragging somebody behind a tree trunk or a fallen tree, trying to give them first aid, he recalled. Shortly thereafter, the area came under sniper and mortar fire. Her greatest joys in life were her faith and watching and enjoying her children and grandchildren. (U.S. Air Force photo), DAYTON, Ohio - Part of Airman 1st Class William H. Pitsenbarger's uniform on display in the Southeast Asia War Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. We ended up getting nine more out after he got on the ground. After graduating in 1962, Pitsenbarger joined the Air Force. He is buried in Miami Memorial Park Cemetery Covington, Ohio. Surnames L-R 3201 Leadership DriveGloucester, VA 23061(804) 693-2210, Copyright 2020The Gloucester Institute. He wanted to quit high school to join the U.S. Army Special Forces' "Green Berets," but his parents convinced him to stay in school. Fred Navarro, who was seriously wounded, said Pitsenbarger saved his life by covering him with the bodies of two dead GIs, shielding him from more bullets. Celebrating the life of MIRIAM Y. PITSENBARGER Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of MIRIAM. She was a dedicated member of the Piqua Christian Church where she was the church organist, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and served on many other committees. On the ground, Pitsenbarger organized and speeded the evacuation, enabling the Huskies to rescue nine soldiers on several trips. Burial will follow at Miami Memorial Park, Covington. All Rights Reserved. He would drag them to the middle of the companys small perimeter, putting them behind trees and logs for shelter. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am Tuesday October 11, 2011 at St. Boniface Catholic Church con-celebrated by Rev. Your email will not be used for any other purpose. Your email will not be used for any other purpose. - F. David Peters, Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. For the next hour and a half, Pitsenbarger tended to the wounded soldiers, hacking splints out of snarled vines and building improvised stretchers out of saplings. Search. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. After he graduated from high school, he decided to join the U.S. Air Force, and on New Year's Eve 1962, he was on a train bound for basic training in San Antonio. He was born May 2, 1928 in Bradford, Ohio, the son of the late James Elmer Pitsenbarger and Iva (Sowers) Asher. MIRIAM Y. PITSENBARGER Piqua, Ohio January 13, 1931 - October 23, 2020 Share Obituary: Tribute Wall Obituary & Events Share a memory Send Flowers Share a memory of MIRIAM Y. PITSENBARGER. Click here for frequently asked questions regarding items permitted inside the museum. In his work, and especially on his final mission, Airman 1st Class Pitsenbarger embodied the pararescuemans motto: That Others May Live.. Try again later. Additionally, she was active with the Girl Scout and Boy Scout programs. Last Names. Messages run for up to one year and you Mrs. Pitsenbarger attended St. Mary Catholic School and worked as a retail associate. Looking on were 10 of the Army veterans whose eyewitness testimonials had persuaded the Pentagon and Congress to approve the award Pitsenbarger should have received in 1966. Condolences to the family may also be expressed through jamiesonandyannucci.com. In writing his monograph, Chivalette be-came convinced Pitsenbarger deserved the medal. After review, the original award was upgraded, and on Dec. 8, 2000, the Medal of Honor was presented to his family in a ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Museum. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. When the enemy launched the assault, the evacuation was called off and Airman Pitsenbarger took up arms with the besieged infantrymen. Near dusk, as the VC launched another assault, Pitsenbarger fought back with an M-16. Verify and try again. The besieged troops were members of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry of the 1st Infantry Division and were under attack by VC about 35 miles east of Saigon. She was born January 13, 1931 in Piqua to the late Melvin R. and Evada (Bryant) Coburn. During his basic training in early 1963, he volunteered for Pararescue. John Levitow, an Air Force load master in Vietnam, earned the medal in 1969, three years after Pitsenbarger was killed in the action for which he was posthumously awarded the medal 35 years later. After completing pararescue training, he was assigned to the Rescue Squadron assigned to Hamilton AFB, California. BERNADINE C. PITSENBARGER BERNADINE C. PITSENBARGER Bernadine C. Pitsenbarger, 87, formerly of Piqua, died peacefully at 5:00 pm Thursday October 6, 2011 at the home of her daughter in Troy surrounded by family. Born in 1944 in Piqua, Ohio, William H. Pitsenbarger was an ambitious only child. Pitsenbarger was an only child. In addition all bags are subject to search and may be placed through an X-Ray machine. Angelo C. Caserta and Rev. Find an obituary, get service details, leave condolence messages or send flowers or gifts in memory of a loved one. Place and date: Near Cam My, April 11, 1966, Airman First Class Pitsenbarger distinguished himself by extreme valor on April 11, 1966 near Cam My, Republic of Vietnam, while assigned as a Pararescue Crew Member, Detachment 6, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron. Community Impact Editor Amelia Robinson is an award-winning columnist, features writer and podcast host. The next day one of Pitsenbargers best friends, Henry J. OBeirne of Huntsville, Ala., a former Air Force pararescueman who had served with him and been his bunkmate, recovered his body. The Medal of Honor ceremony in Dayton was emotional for all who attended. The Ohio University graduates work has appeared in the Dayton Daily News since 2000. Pitsenbarger was the 59th Medal of Honor recipient, and sixth enlisted recipient, from the Air Force and its predecessor organizations.[4]. When its engine began to lose power, the pilot realized he had to get the helicopter away from the area as soon as possible. The city of Piqua, Ohio, renamed a recreational park (which includes the municipal swimming pool) the "Pitsenbarger Sports Complex." L'archiviazione tecnica o l'accesso sono necessari per lo scopo legittimo di memorizzare le preferenze che non sono richieste dall'abbonato o dall'utente. A1C Pitsenbarger learned his military skills in a series of demanding schools. The upcoming feature film, The Last Full Measure, from Todd Robinson and Solar Filmworks, tells the story of the brave soldiers of Charlie Company/Big Red One, Air Force airmen, and A1C William Pitsenbarger during one of the bloodiest days of the Vietnam War - Operation Abilene, Xa Cam My, Vietnam 1966. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_H._Pitsenbarger https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:William_Pitsenbarger.jpg https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/21023/william-hart-pitsenbarger https://www.historynet.com/william-h-pitsenbarger-bravest-among-the https://www.historyvshollywood.com/reelfaces/last-full-measure/ https://www.military.com/off-duty/2020/01/23/how-william-pitsenbarg https://www.military.com/history/airman-1st-class-william-h-pitsenb https://www.airforcemag.com/article/pitsenbarger-on-the-big-screen/'', William H. Pitsenbarger's parachute jump log' https://ohiomemory.org/digital/collection/p267401coll36/id/23980. 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