Artie Eugene Grose Obituary. His parents, however, convinced him to finish his studies; he graduated in the class of 1962. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. On April 11, 1966, three rifle companies from 1st Infantry Division - also known as the " Big Red One " - were sent to fight the Viet Cong . During the brightest day, soldiers moving acrossthe jungle floor can almost feel that they are moving about at night. He was frozen with fear, unable to move. Shirley A. Pitsenbarger age 90, of Versailles passed away at 9:16 pm Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at her residence. 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 . The only hope of getting the wounded out and headed for emergency field hospitals lay with the Air Force Huskies that were capable of hovering above the canopy to lower an empty stokes litter, then winch it back up with the body of a wounded strapped inside. They forbade it, but after graduating in 1962 he enlisted in the Air Force. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. Mr. Pitsenbarger was a member of St. Paul Independent Lutheran Church. When its engine began to lose power, the pilot realized he had to get the helicopter away from the area as soon as possible. At long last, after 34 years, the young PJ would indeed receive the Medal of Honor. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. Wrote Senator Lausche in hisCongressional Recordaccount of that day. The company commander, Capt. While the three initial recovered casualties were unloaded, Pits and Pedro 97's PJ Sergeant David Milsten discussed "going in" on the choppers' return. In addition several buildings have been named in his honor including William H. Pitsenbarger Dining Hall, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio; William H. Pitsenbarger Professional Military Education Center, Beale Air Force Base, California; William H. Pitsenbarger Airman Leadership School, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany; Pitsenbarger Hall, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas and Pitsenbarger Fitness Center, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. Detachment 6 flew three HH-43F Huskie helicopters, which recovered downed airmen and injured ground troops. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. 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. Airman 1st Class Pitsenbarger, a Piqua native and graduate of Piqua schools, was a pararescue and medical specialist who died April 11, 1966, in Vietnam. This includes Pitsenbarger; Sgt. 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. he attended the fire-fighters course for the HH-43 helicopter. But the Huskies had a unique advantage. It was erected by the Piqua Area Chamber of Commerce and the Ohio Historical Society. During his short life, Thiago was surrounded by the love of his family. The firing was so intense that a fire team leader in my platoon curled up in a fetal position and sobbed uncontrollably. It is next to the Piqua Veterans Memorial. On Monday, the second day of the sweep, the rugged terrain forced Charlie Company to move outward instead of parallel to Alpha and Bravo Companies. 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. [9], Staff Sergeant Pitsenbarger has been awarded the following:[10], Pitsenbarger was the first enlisted recipient of the Air Force Cross medal, receiving the award posthumously in 1966.[5]. DoD image must be made in compliance with guidance found at With complete disregard for personal safety, Airman Pitsenbarger volunteered to ride a hoist more than one hundred feet through the jungle, to the ground. "I Couldn't Believe That Anybody Was Brave Enough, Or Crazy Enough". Please enter your email and password to sign in. Doctors determined that Dick Rynearson had suffered a broken upper left rib and a shattered sternum. Pedro 97 went in first, lowering the stokes litter to retrieve one of the wounded. Please try again later. Airman Pitsenbarger volunteered to remain on the ground and administer medical treatment to the wounded. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Since the litter was already outside the helicopter, Hammond placed the penetrator inside the stokes and began lowering both. Staff Sergeant James Robinson, a former Marine, had volunteered for Vietnam dutyhad, in fact, engaged in a determined year-long letter-writing campaign from his duty station in Panama in efforts to be assigned as an advisor to soldiers of the Vietnamese Army. William Pitsenbarger's Background A1C Pitsenbarger, an Ohio native, is one of three Medal of Honor Recipients from Piqua, Ohio. At times, the Americans fought the enemy hand to hand. He was the first airman to receive the honor and continues to be remembered for risking his life to save the lives of others. Little did he know how expensive that price was about to become. William Pitsenbarger. His decisions were deliberate, calculated, and carried out with the highest degree of professionalism. 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 returned fire whenever he could, during which time he was wounded three times.. When he was 17, he wanted to drop out of schoolPiqua Central High Schoolto become a Green Beret. But both were proud." He volunteered to ride a hoist over 100 feet through the jungle and to the jungle floor. - Camera bags Try again later. Not only had he chosen to serve his country in uniform, but he had also chosen to serve among some of the most elite. Surviving is a son, Richter "Rick" James Pitsenbarger of St. Albans, West Virginia; a sister, Agnes Hodge (Sammy) of Hot Springs, Virginia. Beneath was the body of his friend, Pararescue medic William Pitsenbargershot four times. In this first part of the fight that lasted from 45 minutes to an hour, we took quite a few casualties. They hauled out about a dozen of our wounded. 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.". Connect to 337 Pitsenbarger profiles on Geni, Source: https://familysearch.org/service/tree/tree-data/person/LRL6-P2N/all?locale=en, Apr 30 1918 - Shelby, Richland County, Ohio, United States, John W Pittsenbarger, Freda Pittsenbarger, John W Pittsenbarger, Freda B Pittsenbarger, Frances W Pittsenbarger, Loren E Pittsenbarger, Between 1940 and 1942 - 504 Purcell Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, 1940 - 303 South Roosevelt Avenue, Piqua, Washington T, Miami, Ohio, USA, John W Pitsenbarger, Freda B Pitsenbarger, Apr 30 1918 - Shelby, Ohio, United States, Feb 8 2002 - Muncie, Delaware, Indiana, United States, John Walter Pitsenbarger, Freda Blanche Pitsenbarger (born Westfall), William Hart Pitsenbarger Congressional Medal of Honor, Frances Winifred Mcmaster (born Pitsenbarger), Loren Elwood Pitsenbarger, Source: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/17952884/_, Source: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/17952807/loren-elwood-pitsenbarger, Shelby County, Ohio, USA, Shelby, Ohio, United States, Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana, USA, Muncie, Delaware, Indiana, United States, Miami Memorial Park Cemetery, Covington, Miami County, Ohio, USA, Covington, Miami, Ohio, United States, U.S. Social Security Applications and Claims, 1936-2007. His posthumous award was presented to his father at the Pentagon in ceremonies on July 16, 1967. Then, with the dignity unprecedented valor demands, the story of William Pitsenbarger was read in greater detail than his Air Force Cross citation had set forth. Failed to report flower. He was chosen for pararescue duty and sent to several military schools in a variety of locations for further training: survival school, Army Infantry Jump School, Rescue and Survival Technicians Medical Course, Naval School of Underwater Swimmers and Air Rescue Service Transition Tree Jump Training. When he was 17, he wanted to drop out of schoolPiqua Central High Schoolto become a Green Beret. This electronic book is available for free download and printing from www.homeofheroes.com. The man had lost his foot when he stepped on a mine and was trapped inside a maze of old and unstable explosive devices. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Joseph E. Pitsenbarger to show support. Pick him up, and then you can lift me up." Elle y voque notamment, comme rarement, sa vie prive et fait des confidences sur la naissance de ses deux enfants et ce qu'elle a chang william f pitsenbarger obituary; ww2 bomb map eastbourne; maryse burgot qui est son mari. 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. William F Pitsenbarger in 1940 United States Federal Census William F Pitsenbarger Added 2020-10-15 10:59:16 -0700 by Pamela Anne Schuwerk Mittman Stigall In fact, the letters and pictures he sent back seemed to indicate that Airman Pitsenbarger was actually having a good time at the Air Base a short distance from the South Vietnamese capital city of Saigon. Senior Department of Defense and Air Force officials . When his basic training was complete, he volunteered for Air Force Pararescue duty. In the distance, he could see an Army medic kneeling to bandage the wounds of a wounded American infantryman. Arvella M. Pitsenbarger. After completing, he was assigned to the Rescue Squadron stationed at the Hamilton AFB, California. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). The historical marker is on Route 48, north of Covington. As a junior in high school, he tried to enlist in the U.S. Army as a Green Beret, but his parents refused to give their permission. Artie Eugene Grose, 88, of Edmond, passed away Sunday, January 29, 2017, at the Ansted Center in Ansted. Lenie A Pitsenbarger Lenie A. Pitsenbarger, 48, of Mentor, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021, at Lake West Medical Center in Willoughby. Dead and dying were everywhere and panic was pushing his young soldiers beyond reason. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? Drag images here or select from your computer for William Franklin Pitsenbarger memorial. All Web: Obituary Daily Times Index, 1995-2016 results for Pitsenbarger. When his body was recovered the next day, one hand still held a rifle and the other clutched a medical kit. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. This was granted. His rifle empty, Sergeant Robinson again ignored his wounds to attack. Pitsenbarger received orders to go to Okinawa, but requested his orders be changed to go to Vietnam. Pitsenbarger, a Piqua native, was born to William F. and Irene Pitsenbarger on July 8, 1944. Pitsenbargers last, and probably most gallant mission, was on April 11, 1966. The subsequent review determined that the level of voluntary heroism displayed by the 21-year old PJ in the jungles of Vietnam was more in keeping with the levels of valor reflected by the Medal of Honor. Pararescueman William H. Pitsenbarger flew more than 250 rescue missions during the Vietnam War. In the hour and a half Pits was on the ground, he was everywhere. Even without looking the young infantry sergeant knew what had happened. Soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division, better known as "The Big Red One", began to move into the jungle between Saigon and Vung Tau in search of the enemy. Also attending was an elderly gentleman, now well into his 80sWilliam F. Pitsenbarger. He wanted to enlist in the Army when he was junior high, but his parents did not allow him. Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. 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. He is the sixth enlisted airman to receive the Medal of Honor. 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! MEDAL OF HONOR CITATION. Iowa, Death Records, 1880-June 1904 and 1921-1951 at Ancestry/requires payment; includes images of the death certificates from 1921-1951 and images of the death registers from 1880-June 1904. Navarro described the April 11, 1966 battle, where he was rescued by Airman 1st Class William Hart Pitsenbarger, now the subject of a Hollywood movie. Son of John Walter Pitsenbarger and Freda Blanche Pitsenbarger Virginia, to William Pitsenbarger and Mary "Polly" Pitsenbarger (born Amick). His name can be found on Panel 06E Line 102 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. His experience expedited the process of getting the wounded soldier into the stokes litter and a fourth casualty was being hauled skyward. 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. By. Mildred was of the Baptist faith. And now, here at the Pentagon, Mr. and Mrs. Pitsenbarger would receive one more award on behalf of their son. Hidden by the dense jungle, the enemy was able to hide and still place effective sniper fire on the Americans. Through his personal efforts, the evacuation of the wounded was greatly expedited. Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. But what made the young pararescueman from Piqua, Ohio stand out was how he dealt with fear. In addition all bags are subject to search and may be placed through an X-Ray machine. On that day, he was aboard a rescue helicopter that was sent to evacuate casualties of a firefight between the Armys 1st Infantry Division and Viet Cong enemy forces. This browser does not support getting your location. Results 1-20 of 39 View Record Name Birth Date Publication Date Death Place; View Record. For his actions, he was given the Airmans Medal by the United States; South Vietnam gave him the Vietnam Medal of Military Merit and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Palm. ", 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. Plant a tree in memory of Lenie An environmentally friendly option Plant a tree 1 tree planted in memory of Lenie A Pitsenbarger. . 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. Permitted Items: By 3:30 the two Air Force choppers were hovering over the tops of the jungle canopy while death and devastation raged below. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. Nearby Lieutenant Johnny Libs was doing his best to bring some semblance of order to what remained of his platoon. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. 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 . - Purses You can always change this later in your Account settings. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? [6], Soon after Pitsenbarger was killed, his Air Force commanders nominated him for the Medal of Honor. He was chosen for pararescue duty and sent to several military schools in a variety of locations for further training: survival school, Army Infantry Jump School, Rescue and Survival Technicians Medical Course, Naval School of Underwater Swimmers and Air Rescue Service Transition Tree Jump Training. By this time, the Viet Cong were lobbing mortars into the area, and American forces responded by dropping artillery rounds in and around the small perimeter the survivors of Charlie Company were trying to create. - Food and Soda Drinks William was born in November 1827, in Pendleton, West Virginia, United States. This is a carousel with slides. Next to him, the wounded Sergeant Navarro was struggling to stay alive and to resist. Time and again these brave medics had been inserted to save lives. Weapons are not permitted including pocket knives and firearms, to include conceal carry and other dangerous weapons. The elder Pitsenbarger gratefully accepted the award on behalf of his only son. "All of us PJs had a strong desire to save lives," said Chief Master Sergeant Dave Milsten, the ranking Pararescueman in Detachment 6, "that's what we lived for. Pits was born in Piqua, Ohio, on July 8, 1944. 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. They were also dedicated to saving lives, not only during times of war but also in peace. On the ground, things had gone from bad to worse. But the choice to "go in" was always a voluntary call, made the PJs themselves. Seven of his 10-man squad had already been killed in action. ), Pitsenbarger decided that he could speed things up if he could get to the ground. Jane Pitsenbarger passed away at age 82 years old on April 10, 1997. Try again later. After review and nearly 35 years later, the original award was upgraded.[4][7]. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Michael E. Ryan (right) and about 1,800 guests attended the ceremony. At some point, a fatal bullet hit him. Along with the being the recipient of the Medal of Honor (posthumously) he has been honored several times. 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. He was one of the few calm visions of hope that moved among the damned. can i use a visa gift card for groceries; crush unfollowed me on instagram Pitsenbarger was in his element in Vietnam. No longer could he hear the sounds of William Pitsenbarger's M-16. If you knew Lenie, you knew a man who loved the Lord and his family. Sergeant Robinson noticed another American fall ahead of his position. After he graduated in 1962, an Air Force recruiter inspired him to sign up. "After a while," Nolen said, "heavy fire started coming in. [3] Pitsenbarger received the Air Force Cross on June 30, 1966. Pedro 97 hovered in the area as darkness fell, then returned to Bien Hoa to wait out the night. Calming their uneasiness and fighting to overcome the emotions that struggled for release, the brave couple found themselves being introduced to the US Air Force Chief of Staff, General John P. McConnell. The two Huskies then turned towards the field aid station 7 miles away near the village of Binh Ba. On April 11, 1966, the Joint Rescue Center dispatched two Huskies from Detachment 6 to extract a half-dozen or more Army casualties pinned down in a battle near Cam My, 35 miles (56km) east of Saigon. Novella Pitsenbarger passed away 2017-01-02 in This is the full obituary story where you can express condolences and share memories. Year should not be greater than current year. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. The ceremony was so important that top military officials came from Washington, D.C. to attend. Verify and try again. Airman Pitsenbarger exposed himself to almost certain death by staying on the ground, and perished while saving the lives of wounded infantrymen. 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. If you would like to republish please give the photographer appropriate credit. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. Airman Pitsenbarger repeatedly exposed himself to intensive automatic fire while gathering rifles and ammunition from fallen comrades which he passed among the defenders. During the rescue operation, he cared for and prepared the casualties for evacuation, and insured that the recovery operation continued in a smooth and orderly fashion. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. Behind the pilot and co-pilot in Pedro 73, was Airman William Pitsenbarger. First Lt. Kenneth Anderson, of Nashville, Tenn. said snipers kept firing from the trees. On April 11, 1966, Pitsenbarger was killed aiding and defending a unit of soldiers pinned down by an enemy assault during the Vietnam War. The round was a tracer, igniting the trousers of his jungle fatigues. Sorry! Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Mildred Pitsenbarger to pay them a last tribute. Then, over the cries of the wounded, he heard the sound of a returning rescue helicopter. 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. In 2005, the State of Ohio designated State Route 48 as the "U.S.A.F. - Knives The American forces, including Pitsenbarger, soon came under sniper fire and mortar attacks from the Viet Cong. PIQUA The Piqua and surrounding community came out in . Captain Ronald Bachman piloted the primary HH-43, call sign "Pedro 97". Of the 134 soldiers in Charlie Company at the beginning ofOperation Abilene, there were 106 casualties. Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. Two Air Force Huskies were quickly airborne and moving east to find and extract the wounded soldiers of Charlie Company. "It was horrible," said Pfc Ronald Haley, as he stood in the tiny clearing blasted from the jungle so that the dead and wounded could be evacuated. Parts of Georgia grand jury report on Trump post-election conduct released; John Fetterman checks himself into Walter Reed for clinical depression Irene Pitsenbarger may have thought briefly about the many times her young son had given her reason for fright. She was a homemaker. The 2019 film The Last Full Measure depicting Pitsenbarger's life stars Jeremy Irvine as Pitsenbarger. Once the man was airborne the crew of Pedro 73 expected their pararescueman to ride the penetrator back up to his waiting chopper. The other men in his Detachment enjoyed being around Pits. The full force of the aggressors turned their firepower on the advancing American. 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. Civilian authorities have also honored his name. He was born June 17, 1933, in Moyers, WV and was the son of the late Henry M. Pitsenbarger, Sr., and Nora Alice (Smith) Pitsenbarger. June 17, 1934 - October 5, 2022 Obituary FRANKFORD, WV - Anna Mae Pitsenbarger, 88 of Frankford, WV passed away Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at GVMC surrounded by her family. Now, as he led his fire-team through the dense jungles of Phuoc Tuy province, he recalled what he had written home in his most recent letter"The price we pay for freedom is never cheap." Arnold M Pitsenbarger: Abt 1930: He was credited with saving nine lives. An estimated battalion of the enemy from the main force regiment was involved. Sidney Daily News. His parents, however, convinced him to finish his studies; he graduated in the class of 1962. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. Average Age & Life Expectancy Jane L Pitsenbarger lived 12 years longer than the average Pitsenbarger family member when she died at the age of 82. On the ground, Pits signaled for the penetrator. which pertains to intellectual property restrictions (e.g., copyright and https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/27881350/william-franklin-pitsenbarger. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. In one lifeless hand Pits still held his M-16 rifle. After arriving on the scene, OBeirne learned of Pitsenbargers death. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. Oops, we were unable to send the email. 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. The United States Navy Container Ship MV A1C William H. Pitsenbarger (T-AK-4638) was christened in his honor, but was decommissioned and returned to its original owner in 2008 with the new name Black Eagle. You may print and distribute in quantity for all non-profit, educational purposes. Among those restored to safety was Eric Severeid, who would go on to become a well-known news commentator. In the quiet dignity of the halls of the Pentagon, the senior Pitsenbarger remembered how proud he had been of his son. Adamantly Irene and her husband had refused to give their 17-year old permission to join the Army, requiring him to remain in school one more year to graduate. Click here for frequently asked questions regarding items permitted inside the museum. At age 17 he wanted to try for an Army Special Forces position, but his father persuaded him to finish high school. After high school, he worked as a stockboy at a Kroger grocery store, but he left to join the U.S. Air . based on information from your browser. William Pitsenbarger was dead. Just one month prior to the Easter Sunday beginning ofOperation Abilene, Major Bernard Francis Fisher became the first person to earn the newly designed Air Force Medal of Honor. When William A Pitsenbarger was born on 1 May 1866, in Greenbrier, West Virginia, United States, his father, Abraham Pitsenbarger, was 35 and his mother, Martha Dozier, was 31. As darkness began to fall, he disappeared for about 10 minutes, returning to the area receiving the heaviest enemy fire with 20 or more magazines of ammunition he had scrounged from among the dead. On that day, the Medal of Honor was presented to William F. Pitsenbarger for the courageous military service of his deceased son, Airman 1st Class William H. Pitsenbarger, United States Air Force. 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. - Coolers Captain Harold Salem piloted the back-up aircraft, "Pedro 73". Subsequent to the award, Pitsenbarger will also be posthumously promoted to the rank of staff sergeant. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. Read + Subscribe to This Local Life Magazine. Meanwhile, Alpha and Bravo Companies poised themselves for a rescue attempt at daylight. Weve updated the security on the site. Indeed, after escorting the badly damaged Pedro 73 to an emergency landing, Captain Bachman and his team returned. Of those nineteen awards, ten were awarded to Pararescuemen. better known as PJs. She was born October 28, 1929 in Moyers, WV a daughter of the late Lona (Rexrode) and Frank Simmons. The Viet Cong were everywhere. In little more than an hour, the two birds had each made two in-and-out trips to recover six wounded soldiers. Pitsenbarger was later sent on Temporary Duty (TDY) to Vietnam. Weapons, https://www.dimoc.mil/resources/limitations. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. File: Medal of Honor presented to William H. Pitsenbarger's parents 2000-12-08.jpg. In his junior year of high school in his small town of 20,000, young William Pitsenbarger had tried to enlist in the Army's Special Forces to wear the coveted Green Beret. 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. Pits expected the Air Force Huskies, or at least Pedro 97, to return for more wounded. He stared at them in awe and never cried. An MRI also revealed a hematoma, or bad bruising, above his kidney that doctors found. The roadway honors four local USAF Pararescuemen who died in battle. Olly Richards NME. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Even as the enemy fire continued to scorch the area, he moved among the casualties to tend the wounded and administer life-saving medical attention.