by Airman 1st Class Joshua Eikren
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

7/25/2013 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The Airlift/Tanker Association inducted Medal of Honor recipient Staff Sgt. William H. Pitsenbarger into the ATA Walk of Fame at Scott with the unveiling of his bust in front of 375th Air Mobility Wing headquarters July 18.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, then-Airman 1st Class Pitsenbarger distinguished himself by extreme valor April 11, 1966 near Cam My, Republic of Vietnam, while assigned as a Pararescue Crew Member, Detachment 6, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron. He was also posthumously promoted to staff sergeant.

"What Sgt. Pitsenbarger did that day was nothing short of heroic," said Gen. Paul Selva, Air Mobility Command commander. "He put his life on the line over and over again."

On that date, Pitsenbarger was aboard a rescue helicopter responding to a call for evacuation of casualties in an on-going firefight with the Vietcong. With disregard for his personal safety, he volunteered to lower to the ground and help evacuate the wounded.

Refusing evacuation, Pitsenbarger subjected himself to enemy fire to save the lives of Army soldiers on the ground, saving nine lives, giving first aid to countless soldiers and braving intense gunfire to gather and distribute vital ammunition to infantryman, said Selva.

"He gave his life that day so others might prevail. He showed that service and excellence are what we in air mobility are all about."