William H. Pitsenbarger Military person

William Hart Pitsenbarger (July 8, 1944 – April 11, 1966) was a United States Air Force Pararescueman who gave his life aiding and defending a unit of soldiers pinned down by an enemy assault in Vietnam. He was initially posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross, which was later upgraded to the Medal of Honor. He was the first enlisted recipient of the Air Force Cross medal, receiving the award in 1966.

Personal facts

Birth date	July 08, 1944
Birth place	Piqua Ohio
Date of death	April 11, 1966
Place of death	South Vietnam

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Military person

award	Purple Heart Airman's Medal Air Force Cross (United States) Air Medal Medal of Honor
military operations	Vietnam War
military unit	38th Rescue Squadron
service start	1962
service end	1966