April 11, 1966

 

Apri 11, 1966:

A1C William Pitsenbarger with an M-16 outside the HH-43. (U.S. Air Force photo)

April 11, 1966: MEDAL OF HONOR/AIR FORCE CROSS. Near Cam My, South Vietnam, A1C William H. Pitsenbarger, a pararescueman, hoisted nine soldiers to safety aboard a HH-43 Huskie and then remained behind to treat the wounded amid heavy mortar and sniper fire. In the ensuing battle, he was mortally wounded. He became the first airman to receive the Air Force Cross posthumously. The Air Force later upgraded his award to the Medal of Honor. #Medal of HonorMEDAL OF HONOR/AIR FORCE CROSS. Near Cam My, South Vietnam, A1C William H. Pitsenbarger, a pararescueman, hoisted nine soldiers to safety aboard a HH-43 Huskie and then remained behind to treat the wounded amid heavy mortar and sniper fire. In the ensuing battle, he was mortally wounded. He became the first airman to receive the Air Force Cross posthumously. The Air Force later upgraded his award to the Medal of Honor. #Medal of Honor