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Here is his citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of
Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of
Honor to
AIRMAN
FIRST CLASS WILLIAM H. PITSENBARGER
UNITED
STATES AIR FORCE
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.
Airmen 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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