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.
