• William H. Pitsenbarger, 22, is the youngest pararescue medic to received Medal of Honor.  He was born on July 8th 1944 to William F. Pitsenbarger and Irene Pitsenbarger in Piqua Ohio.   He is important to our community for he played a BIG part in the Vietnam War.  It took 34 years after his fatal mission to finally be awarded the Medal of Honor. “Pits” at just the young age of 21 knew how dangerous his position was. Although a first-timer, he was in the final months of his enlistment and had already completed more than 300 rescue missions. On Dec. 8, 2000, the Medal of Honor was presented to A1C William H. Pitsenbarger in a ceremony at the Air Force Museum located here in Dayton, Ohio, not far from his hometown of Piqua, OH. ​(https://www.historynet.com/william-h-pitsenbarger-bravest-among-the-brave-vietnam-war-veteran.htm)

​

• Determination the desire to get the job done thru persistence, initiative and drive.  A1C William Pitsenbarger is the epitome of determination especially thru his leadership. During one of his missions a wounded South Vietnamese soldier was stranded in a burning minefield filled with old and unstable explosive devices. These conditions didn’t deter him. With no regard for his personal safety, he improvised a solution. He was determined with each mission he went on to save as many people (even those not in his own squadron) as possible.  “Even till he took his last breathe when the perimeter was breached they found his still clutching his medical kit and riffle.” (AirForceTimes, 2021) He was determined not to go down without a fight.  His drive and determination as a leader did not go unrecognized by this peers or his superiors, in fact it rubbed off on them to meet his passion and purpose.
   

• Democratic Leadership balances decision-making responsibility between the group and the leader. (https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-democratic-leadership-2795315)  Democratic leaders such as A1C William Pitsenbarger, encourage discussions and listen to the views of his peers. Being this style of leader radiates positivity and collaboration between peers, while it also encourages creativity.  William encouraged and listened when talking with his squad members on the best tactic to complete each mission.  William shared his vision and relied on his squad to help guide him and also have his back when completing the mission.  One big example of his Democratic leaders ships is when; "Pitsenbarger asked the pilot to put him on the ground.  Once I’m down there I can really help out,” he told Salem. “I can show those guys how to rig the Stokes litter and load it right. It will be much faster, and you can put more people in the bird.”  (https://www.airforcemag.com/article/0201pits/)

​

​

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. (https://www.af.mil/Medal-of-Honor/Pitsenbarger/)