He gave his life, that others may live
William Pitsenbarger was born in Piqua, Ohio, on July 8, 1944, the only
child of Irene and Frank Pitensbarger. He graduated from Piqua Central
High School in 1962. After graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force and
became a pararescue and medical specialist. On April 11, 1966, at his own
request, he was lowered by helicopter into the jungle of Vietnam to aid
wounded soldiers. Although his life was in grave danger, he refused to
evacuate and through his efforts was able to save the lives of nine of his
fellow warriors. Later that same day he himself was fatally wounded and
died on the battlefield. Of the 134 soldiers who began the battle, there were
106 casualties. He was awarded the Air Force Cross in 1966, and the
Congressional Medal of Honor in 2000. There are at least one dozen
facilities around the world named for him.

Airman 1st Class
William H. Pitensbarger
born July 8, 1944
died on April 11, 1966
in Vietnam while
serving his country
awarded
the Congressional
Medal of Honor
and Air Force Cross

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Hospital Care
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William Moore McCullough / Civil Rights Movement in Piqua
Piqua's Early African-American Heritage
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