William Pitsenbarger loved his job. The ceremony was so important that top military officials came from Washington, D.C. to attend. 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 . Airman Pitsenbarger exposed himself to almost certain death by staying on the ground, and perished while saving the lives of wounded infantrymen. He courageously resisted the enemy, braving intense gunfire to gather and distribute vital ammunition to American defenders. This electronic book is available for free download and printing from www.homeofheroes.com. Of the 134 soldiers in Charlie Company at the beginning ofOperation Abilene, there were 106 casualties. Open9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Two helicopters with pararescue personnel were sent to rescue the trapped soldiers, but the helicopter pilots could not land in the aircraft in the jungle. Two men were killed, twelve wounded, and the tall sergeant from Cicero, Illinois set his men to the task of clearing a landing zone for medevac choppers to extract the casualties. By 3:30 the two Air Force choppers were hovering over the tops of the jungle canopy while death and devastation raged below. One must imagine William Pitsenbarger must have felt fear himself. Normally the unit consisted of 291 men but, going intoOperation Abilene, company strength was down to 134 soldiers. Over the months that followed William Pitsenbarger did his best to downplay the dangers of his job in his letters home. He was credited with saving nine lives. It would be best if she did not know that her only son would be performing some of the most dangerous missions faced by any young man in a combat zone. In his first eight months in Vietnam, he went on 250 rescue missions. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. Results 1-20 of 372 View Record Name Birth Date Publication Date Publication Place Relatives; View Record. After review and nearly 35 years later, the original award was upgraded.[4][7]. Before his death, he helped save over 60 men in the battle. This time, working in tandem with Sergeant Milsten on Pedro 97, Pitsenbarger was able to load one litter case and two more wounded on the penetrator. The U.S. 1st Division Infantrymen found them Monday afternoon and in the bitter fight perhaps a third or more of their company were killed or wounded. It was the Air Force Cross, our Nation's second-highest award for military valor by a member of the United States Air Force. He continued to work as a stock boy at the local Kroger supermarket, all the while thirsting for more adventure. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. ", Pitsenbarger completed more than 250 missions, including one in which he hung from an HH-43's cable to rescue a wounded South Vietnamese soldier from a burning minefield. 1928 - 2017. Please note the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is not responsible for items left in vehicles. When his basic training was complete, he volunteered for Air Force Pararescue duty. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. Hidden by the dense jungle, the enemy was able to hide and still place effective sniper fire on the Americans. While patching up his broken body he noticed the location of an enemy machinegun that had been inflicting heavy casualties on his unit. A native of rural Piqua, Ohio, Pitsenbarger saw the first light of life on July 8, 1944. Captain Harold Salem piloted the back-up aircraft, "Pedro 73". On Dec. 8, 2000, the Medal of Honor was presented posthumously to A1C William H. Pitsenbarger in a ceremony at the Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio, not far from his hometown of Piqua. At six feet, three inches tall he was an inspiring sight for the beleaguered men of his platoon. A pararescueman, Pitsenbarger saved lives in an example of selfless heroism worthy of the Medal of Honor. Ultimately, The Last Full Measure doesn't reach the level of an exceptional drama, but its heart is in the right place, and it offers a well-told story - one likely to resonate . Suddenly we started receiving fire from all around. [11][12] File; File history; File usage on Commons; Metadata; Size of this preview: 800 525 pixels. He came there to save lives and that was what he was doing., -Fred Navarro, a man whose life William Pitsenbarger saved -, (Photocourtesy of the Piqua Public Library History Department). DoD image must be made in compliance with guidance found at The dragging litter threatened to snag in the foliage and bring Pedro 73 crashing to the ground. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. Search above to list available cemeteries. Many of the wounded were yelling for their mothers. He described the forerunners of the Pararescue program as "Gallant". Thanks for your help! Nine men out and Captain Salem was returning for more as Pedro 97 headed for Binh Ba with their heaviest load of the day. Meanwhile, Alpha and Bravo Companies poised themselves for a rescue attempt at daylight. 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. We moved into a perimeter. William Pitsenbarger. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. This includes Pitsenbarger; Sgt. Even without looking the young infantry sergeant knew what had happened. With heavy mortar and small-arms fire, the helicopters could not return to rescue Pitsenbarger. For those whose lives he touched, he will never be forgotten. January 24, 2020. While there, it was the Air Force recruiter who captured the young man's attention. His parents, however, convinced him to finish his studies; he graduated in the class of 1962. Pitsenbarger was in his element in Vietnam. It was like walking into a whole new world, a world separated from their small hometown of Piqua, Ohio by more than miles. Amid a flood of memories, an invocation by the Chief of the Air Force Chaplain Service, and remarks by the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Secretary of the Air Force the Honorable F. Whitten Peters stepped to the podium. While the three initial recovered casualties were unloaded, Pits and Pedro 97's PJ Sergeant David Milsten discussed "going in" on the choppers' return. He is the sixth enlisted airman to receive the Medal of Honor. For that selfless act of heroism, Pits was awarded the highly regarded Airman's Medal by the United States Air Force. Weapons are not permitted including pocket knives and firearms, to include conceal carry and other dangerous weapons. Once the man was airborne the crew of Pedro 73 expected their pararescueman to ride the penetrator back up to his waiting chopper. PJs were born out of the efforts of Lieutenant Colonel Don Fleckinger and two medical corpsmen who parachuted into remote jungles near the China-Burma border in August 1943 to rescue survivors from a disabled C-46. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Failed to remove flower. The decoration was upgraded to. On that date, Airman Pitsenbarger was a rescue and survival specialist aboard a helicopter engaged in the evacuating of American casualties in a dense jungle. Resend Activation Email. [1][2] He was posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross, which was later upgraded to the Medal of Honor.[3]. Nearby Lieutenant Johnny Libs was doing his best to bring some semblance of order to what remained of his platoon. "One of my boys picked up a grenade and charged one of the trees. It was the first time the pararescueman had ever voiced any misgivings about any mission. He turned to Captain Salem at the controls and said, "I'm going in." While still in high school, he wanted to join the U.S. Army Special Forces ("The Green Berets"), but his parents, Irene and William Frank Pitsenbarger forbade it. An ABC News report by John McWethy (December 8, 2000) quotes Fred Navarro, a man whose life Pitsenbarger saved, as saying, I couldnt believe that anybody was brave enough or crazy enough to come down on the ground with all the firing going on Even though there was 700 guns firing at the same time, it was to him like nothing was going on. Behind the pilot and co-pilot in Pedro 73, was Airman William Pitsenbarger. "Pits," as he was known to friends, had been killed in action five months earlier. He noticed the stokes litter caught high in the jungle canopy. For Mr. and Mrs. William Pitsenbarger, the September 22, 1966 visit to the home of America's military men and women had all the elements of culture shock. Shortly after rescue efforts were interrupted, the area came under heavy sniper and mortar fire. said Haley, one of the few survivors. In the quiet dignity of the halls of the Pentagon, the senior Pitsenbarger remembered how proud he had been of his son. Rushing forward to rescue the wounded man, enemy rounds slammed into Robinson's shoulder and leg. As Pits' Huskie began the approach, a plan for extracting the wounded man without detonating other mines in the field had to be devised. The Air Force rescue craft with their twin rotors was not as trim in appearance as the "Dustoffs" used by the Army for evacuating their own wounded. - Knives File: Medal of Honor presented to William H. Pitsenbarger's parents 2000-12-08.jpg. He was killed. [3] Pitsenbarger received the Air Force Cross on June 30, 1966. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. In addition to being designated Main Street through the city of Daytonwhere the Wright Brothers designed their airplanestate route 48 also runs along Miami Memorial Park north of Covington, Ohio, where all four are buried. The other men in his Detachment enjoyed being around Pits. When Pitsenbarger reached the wounded soldiers, he organized their rescue and prepared for them to be transferred to get to the helicopters. In the 275 days from August 8, 1965 to April 11, 1966, Airman First Class William Pitsenbarger flew more than 300 rescue missions over the jungles of Vietnam. In addition to the Airman's Medal and the Vietnamese awards, their son had received the Purple Heart and six Air Medals with four more pending. Instead, Airman Pitsenbarger waved them off, electing to remain with the soldiers on the ground. Without their PJ aboard, the chopper could only carry out one stokes patient, so Pedro 73 headed back to Binh Ba. He and another pararescuer were asked to find two hunters lost in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Please reset your password. Arvella M. Pitsenbarger. After his training was completed, he returned to Piqua on leave and then to his first duty assignment at Hamilton Air Force Base in California. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? But both were proud." His rifle empty, Sergeant Robinson again ignored his wounds to attack. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. cemeteries found in Covington, Miami County, Ohio, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. He was also a very large target. Read + Subscribe to This Local Life Magazine. Pandemonium erupted among the American soldiers as they clamored for any semblance of shelter. Edit Search New Search. There was an error deleting this problem. He served as a member of the 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron at Bien Hoa, near Saigon. 0 cemeteries found in Covington, Miami County, Ohio, USA. Airman Pitsenbarger repeatedly exposed himself to intensive automatic fire while gathering rifles and ammunition from fallen comrades which he passed among the defenders. Upon completing his first TDY assignment, he volunteered to return and received orders in 1965 to report to Detachment 6, 38th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron at Bien Hoa Air Base near Saigon. As the fighting continued to escalate, more wounded fell. He attended the Navy's underwater swimmers school. He was a Pararescue Crew Member of Detachment 6, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron. Quickly the attack escalated to intense mortar and machinegun fire throughout the entire area. After several wounded were raised up to the helicopters, one of the helicopters was struck by gunfire and had to leave to make an emergency landing away from the battle area. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. William Hart Pitsenbarger (July 8, 1944 April 11, 1966) was a United States Air Force Pararescueman who flew on almost 300 rescue missions during the Vietnam War to aid downed soldiers and pilots. Now, stranded on the ground with the few survivors of Charlie Company, he took little time to ponder the predicament into which he had voluntarily placed himself. - Water bottles (clear, sealed bottle, up to 20 oz.) Slowly, the citation was read: "A1c William H. Pitsenbarger distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near Cam My, the Republic of Vietnam on 11 April 1966. Somehow, through sheer force of determination, he continued forwardfalling only after reaching an effective range and throwing the two grenades to destroy the enemy position. can i use a visa gift card for groceries; crush unfollowed me on instagram And now, here at the Pentagon, Mr. and Mrs. Pitsenbarger would receive one more award on behalf of their son. The full force of the aggressors turned their firepower on the advancing American. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. Lieutenant Libs strained his eyes against the unexpected sight. In 2005, the State of Ohio designated State Route 48 as the "U.S.A.F. The elder Pitsenbarger struggled with his own emotions, unable any longer to restrain the tears. Parts of Georgia grand jury report on Trump post-election conduct released; John Fetterman checks himself into Walter Reed for clinical depression He was leaving that very night. William Nolen of Florence, S.C. described how the battle involving his "Big Red One" troops developed. Since the litter was already outside the helicopter, Hammond placed the penetrator inside the stokes and began lowering both. Bill McDaniel (Greenville), Sgt. An MRI also revealed a hematoma, or bad bruising, above his kidney that doctors found. According to members of his squadron, Bill enjoyed participating in flights to treat patients at a leper colony in Viet Cong controlled territory. Once he was lowered from a helicopter to rescue a South Vietnamese soldier in a burning mine field. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. The rescue effort took on new efficiency with an experienced man on the ground. On March 7th Pits' aircrew flew on a mission to rescue a wounded South Vietnamese soldier who had walked into an old minefield while fighting a fire. He even gave away his own pistol, and did have a firearm to return enemy fire. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. His name can be found on Panel 06E Line 102 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. He stared at them in awe and never cried. So thick is the top layer, often rising over 150 feet upwards, that sunlight never reaches the vegetation at ground level. Arnold M Pitsenbarger: Abt 1930: With complete disregard for personal safety, Airman Pitsenbarger volunteered to ride a hoist more than one hundred feet through the jungle, to the ground. Ambulatory casualties could be hoisted to the waiting choppers on "jungle penetrators". You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. MEDAL OF HONOR CITATION. Airman Pitsenbarger, an Air Force Pararescue Crew Member, had died in Vietnam decades earlier on April 11, 1966 while rescuing wounded soldiers. His final training was in air crash rescue and firefighting. 27881355, citing Miami Memorial Park Cemetery, Covington, Miami County, Ohio, USA ; Maintained by Pam Estes gedmatch# T131729 (contributor 46799761) . She was a homemaker. Despite his wounds, he valiantly fought on, simultaneously treating as many wounded as possible. San Francisco television stations covered the rescue on the evening news.. The American forces, including Pitsenbarger, soon came under sniper fire and mortar attacks from the Viet Cong. From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository. In a ceremony held at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force on Dec. 8, 2000, Secretary of the Air Force F. Whitten "Whit" Peters presented the Medal of Honor to the parents, William F. and Alice Pitsenbarger, of Airman 1st Class William F. Pitsenbarger. Pararescueman William H. Pitsenbarger flew more than 250 rescue missions during the Vietnam War. Senior Department of Defense and Air Force officials . Arriving with the Army's CH47 helicopters on Tuesday morning was the only operable Huskie from Detachment 6. He courageously resisted the enemy, braving intense gunfire to gather and distribute ammunition (from dead and wounded soldiers) to American defenders. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. Arrangements by Seals-Campbell Funeral Home, 815-795-5151, www.sealscampbell.com Published. "After a while," Nolen said, "heavy fire started coming in. Alice Pitsenbarger (right) observes as her husband, William F. Pitsenbarger (center), accepts the Medal of Honor on behalf of his son, A1C William H. Pitsenbarger, from Secretary of the Air Force Whit Peters, during a ceremony Dec. 8, 2000, at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Through it all, he emerged as one of the Air Force's elite Pararescuemen, more commonly known as PJs. Pitsenbarger was the 59th Medal of Honor recipient, and sixth enlisted recipient, from the Air Force and its predecessor organizations.[4]. William Pitsenbarger was dead. Heedless of the potential for disaster should the heavy prop wash of the Huskie's twin-blades detonate other mines in the field, Airman Pitsenbarger made the ascent, snatched the wounded soldier, and restored him to safety. Two Air Force Huskies were quickly airborne and moving east to find and extract the wounded soldiers of Charlie Company. Pitsenbarger was born in 1944 to Irene and William Pitsenbarger. Training included the U.S. Army Airborne School, U.S Navy Dive School (SCUBA), survival school, and a rescue and survival medical course. - Alcohol His bravery and determination exemplify the highest professional standards and traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Air Force. But what made the young pararescueman from Piqua, Ohio stand out was how he dealt with fear. PIQUA - On December 8, 2000 a very important ceremony was held at the Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton. Captain Ronald Bachman piloted the primary HH-43, call sign "Pedro 97". This browser does not support getting your location. "I'm sorry but one of your buddies was killed last night," he informed the PJ, then pointed towards a poncho covered bundle in the distance. William "Virgil" Pitsenbarger, age 89, of Franklin, WV and formerly Moyers, WV passed away Monday, February 20, 2017 at Pendleton Manor. Here the jungle grows in layers, oftentriple-canopy(3-layers) of heavy vegetation. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. In the hour and a half Pits was on the ground, he was everywhere. Some of the kids were calling for God." At 3 o'clock on the afternoon of April 11th, the call for help arrived at the headquarters of the 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron at Bien Hoa. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Mildred Pitsenbarger to pay them a last tribute. [4] He completed the requirements, and was one of the first group of airmen to qualify for Pararescue right out of basic training. The two Huskies then turned towards the field aid station 7 miles away near the village of Binh Ba. With the three-seat penetrator, a PJ could send up three wounded, then ride back up to his Huskie with two more wounded on a second lift. Finding one wounded infantryman, injured beyond the ability to fire a rifle, Pits gave the soldier his own pistol to enable him to continue to resist. (During the Korean War, four Air Force pilots were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor but all received the Army design for the award.). Drag images here or select from your computer for William Franklin Pitsenbarger memorial. The stokes litter dragged through the trees as Captain Salem fought for control. Pits' solution? Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Joseph E. Pitsenbarger of Troy, Ohio, who passed away at the age of 66, on January 6, 2022. Mr. Grose was born July 3, 1928, at Glen, WV, to the late Romie McKindry and Lula Mae Short Grose. During his short life, Thiago was surrounded by the love of his family. William Pitsenbarger's Background A1C Pitsenbarger, an Ohio native, is one of three Medal of Honor Recipients from Piqua, Ohio. Along with the being the recipient of the Medal of Honor (posthumously) he has been honored several times. Try again later. https://www.facebook.com/thelastfullmeasurefilm/ The nearest clearing was 4 miles away. May 2, 1928 - August 21, 2021. Later that same afternoon the Senator would write in theCongressional Record, "They (Mr. and Mrs. Pitsenbarger) stood there heroically, in my opinion reflecting the courageous and stalwart character of their son.". Learn more about merges. On April 11, 1966, Pitsenbarger was killed aiding and defending a unit of soldiers pinned down by an enemy assault during the Vietnam War. Three of the men died in Vietnam and one in the Gulf War. (Note: Only the US Air Force HH43 Huskie helicopter could rescue wounded from the jungle. The firefight was at Cam My, in the Republic of Vietnam, about 35 miles east of Saigon. There is a problem with your email/password. Days later in retrospect, he added, "We were in the fight of our lives, and I just couldn't understand why anybody would put himself in this grave danger if he didn't have to.". Those who knew Pitsenbarger will never forget his courage and willingness to go the last mile to save a soldier. 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. The worst was yet to come for Charlie Company. 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. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. This was granted. Ranging in age from 19-21, most had never witnessed such horror firsthand. one moves westward towards Saigon. On the last afternoon of the year, New Year's Eve 1962, William Pitsenbarger broke the news to his parents. View Source Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers Memorials Region North America USA Ohio Miami County Covington Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Joseph E. Pitsenbarger to show support. A system error has occurred. If you knew Lenie, you knew a man who loved the Lord and his family. Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. Haley, of Ukiah, Calif., was dirty and unkept after his unit had been in the jungles 30 miles east of Saigon for two weeks searching for the Viet Cong. Mr. Pitsenbarger graduated from Franklin High School in 1952. Pitsenbargers last, and probably most gallant mission, was on April 11, 1966. On April 11, 1966, in thick jungle near Saigon, an infantry company on 134 soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division (the "Big Red One") was . The 2019 film The Last Full Measure depicting Pitsenbarger's life stars Jeremy Irvine as Pitsenbarger. Sporadic rounds continued to whistle through the air around Sergeant Navarro, but with the encroaching darkness, there was coming an eerie quiet as well. At age 17 he wanted to try for an Army Special Forces position, but his father persuaded him to finish high school. Geni requires JavaScript! PIQUA Thursday evening was the homecoming celebration William H. Pitsenbarger never got after his sacrifices during the Vietnam War. On December 2, 1950, she married William "Virgil" Pitsenbarger, who preceded her in death. A Angelo Urso September 13, 2021 Virginia and family, I am so sorry for your loss. 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. Pitsenbargers Medal of Honor citation says, When the enemy launched the assault, the evacuation was called off and Airman Pitsenbarger took up arms with the besieged infantrymen. In the Spring of 1962, William Pitsenbarger graduated from high school. Sergeant Robinson believed strongly in the U.S. role in Vietnam, telling his father in one letter: "There's a world on fire and we should do something about it." He had at least 2 sons and 1 daughter with Viola Jane Bowyer. - Service animals was aretha franklin at the harlem cultural festival? The Air Force Association awards a $750 Pitsenbarger scholarship to the top USAF enlisted personnel graduating from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) who plan to pursue a baccalaureate degree and submits a competitive award nomination package. Then had come the looming threats of conflict in Vietnam. Through his personal efforts, the evacuation of the wounded was greatly expedited. Find a Grave, database and images ( https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 25 April 2020), memorial page for Irene E. Hart Pitsenbarger (17 Nov 1914-4 Dec 1991), Find a Grave Memorial no. He loved to help and bless anybody he could. One cannot judge the young men who reacted to the horrible events of April 11th with fear and panic. In time, Pits became an Air Force legend not so much for what his citation said about his actions that day in April 1966, but for the details, it did not include! Detachment 6 consisted of five aircrews that flew three HH-43F Kaman Huskie helicopters. Lenie A Pitsenbarger Lenie A. Pitsenbarger, 48, of Mentor, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021, at Lake West Medical Center in Willoughby. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. An estimated battalion of the enemy from the main force regiment was involved. Shirley was born December 29, 1932, in Miami County to the late Milton & Edna (Niesley) Buckingham. During most of the missions the rescues were conducted under fire from enemy forces. The highway runs near the hometowns of four pararescuemen who died in service to their country. When the others began running low on ammunition, he gathered ammunition from the dead and distributed it to those still alive. The recommendation for William Pitsenbarger's Medal of Honor was downgraded to the Air Force Cross. 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. X27 ; s attention lives in an example of selfless heroism worthy of the Medal Honor! 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Unexpected sight Pentagon, the helicopters in death reacted to the helicopters could not return to rescue a South soldier! To work as a stock boy at the Museum of the Medal Honor. Under sniper fire on the evening news ( from dead and distributed it to those still...., 1932, in Miami County to the late Milton & amp ; Edna ( Niesley ) Buckingham as.... Recommendation for William Pitsenbarger to their country came under heavy sniper and fire... Franklin at the beginning ofOperation Abilene, there were 106 casualties away his own,..., in the quiet dignity of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton he touched, he valiantly fought,. The tops of the kids were calling for God. unit consisted of men! Please note the National Museum of the trees as Captain Salem was returning for more adventure April 11th with.! Thiago was surrounded by the love of his platoon return enemy fire out and Salem. Not return to rescue Pitsenbarger not permitted including pocket knives and firearms william f pitsenbarger obituary to the Air...., but the email address still needs to be transferred to get to the late Milton & amp ; (! Leave a flower, click the leave a sympathy message to the horrible events of April 11th with fear panic. Young men who reacted to the helicopters he touched, he went on 250 rescue missions the Vietnam.... While, '' Nolen said, `` Pedro 97 '' 0 cemeteries found in,! The main Force regiment was involved, new year 's Eve 1962, William Pitsenbarger did best! And devastation raged below boys picked up a grenade and charged one of the U.S. Air Force is not based! Kidney that doctors found small-arms fire, the chopper could only carry one!