Piqua in Miami County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
William Pitsenbarger
He Gave His Life, That Others May Live
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 2, 2019
1. William Pitsenbarger Marker
close up of plaque
Inscription.
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
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
Erected 2015 by Friends of the Piqua Parks Piqua VFW Post 4874 American Legion Post 184.
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, Vietnam. In addition, it is included in the Medal of Honor Recipients series list.
Location.
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40° 8.152′ N, 84° 15.585′ W. Marker is in Piqua, Ohio, in Miami County. Memorial is at the intersection of McKinley Avenue and Clark Avenue, on the right when traveling south on McKinley Avenue. Marker is in the Pitsenbarger Sports Complex. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 730 McKinley Ave, Piqua OH 45356, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 2, 2019
2. William Pitsenbarger Marker
close up of inscription
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 2, 2019
3. William Pitsenbarger Marker
full view of marker
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 2, 2019
4. William Pitsenbarger Marker
marker as seen from a distance
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 2, 2019
5. William Pitsenbarger Marker
the statue, by artist Mike Major
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 2, 2019
6. William Pitsenbarger Park sign
Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2019, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 422 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 3, 2019, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
