William Hart Pitsenbarger

Refusing the Ride Out to Save Wounded Soldiers

William H. Pitsenbarger earned the Medal of Honor for remaining with wounded American infantrymen during a fierce Vietnam War battle near Cam My on 11 April 1966. The U.S. Air Force pararescueman helped evacuate nine casualties, then stayed on the ground to treat and defend soldiers after enemy fire forced the rescue helicopters away. He was killed at the age of 21.

Born on 8 July 1944 in Piqua, Ohio, “Bill” Pitsenbarger was an only child who wanted a military career while still at school. His parents persuaded him to finish his education before enlisting in the Air Force in 1962. He volunteered for pararescue and completed demanding parachute, survival, medical, diving and rescue training.

Arriving in Vietnam in August 1965, he served with Detachment 6 of the 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron at Bien Hoa. His work aboard HH-43 Huskie helicopters took him on more than 250 missions. An earlier rescue of a wounded South Vietnamese soldier from a burning minefield showed his willingness to enter danger to bring others out.

On his final mission, soldiers of the Army's 1st Infantry Division were surrounded in dense jungle. Pitsenbarger volunteered to descend roughly 100 feet by helicopter hoist with medical equipment and weapons. He organised casualties for evacuation and cared for men who could not yet be lifted out.

When one helicopter was damaged and rescue operations became impossible, he remained with the infantrymen. Moving under fire, he treated casualties, brought wounded men to cover, distributed ammunition and helped defend the position. Even after being wounded, he continued until he was fatally struck.

Official Medal of Honor citation United States Air Force transcription:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 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 ongoing 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 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 was recovered, Airman Pitsenbarger refused evacuation in order to get more wounded soldiers 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 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 that followed, the American forces suffered 80 percent casualties as their perimeter was breached, and Airman Pitsenbarger was 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.

Pitsenbarger's actions were initially recognised with the Air Force Cross. Following a later review, that award was upgraded to the Medal of Honor, presented to his parents at the National Museum of the United States Air Force on 8 December 2000. He also received a posthumous promotion to staff sergeant.

He is buried at Miami Memorial Park Cemetery near Covington, Ohio. Museum exhibits, memorials and scholarships honour his service. His story embodies the pararescue motto, “That Others May Live”: a trained rescuer who repeatedly chose another man's chance of survival over his own escape.