On 10–11 April 2026, the Air & Space Forces Association Wright Memorial Chapter 212 led a multi event commemoration in Piqua, Ohio honoring the 60th anniversary of Staff Sergeant William H. Pitsenbarger’s heroic actions during the Vietnam War. More than 700 individuals participated in ceremonies, film screenings, community discussions, and graveside tributes recognizing the extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and legacy of one of the Air Force’s most revered heroes.
The commemorative weekend brought together members of the Pitsenbarger family, Pararescuemen, veterans of Operation Abilene known as the “Mud Soldiers,” civic leaders, students, military members, and citizens from across the country. Attendees included five surviving soldiers who witnessed Pitsenbarger’s actions during the battle near Cam My, Vietnam on 11 April 1966. Their testimony decades later ultimately helped secure the upgrade of his Air Force Cross to the Medal of Honor.
Commemorative coin struck recognizing Pitsenbarger’s lifetime, his
hometown of Piqua Ohio, the 250th anniversary of America,
the PJ motto, and the Medal of Honor
Staff Sergeant William H. Pitsenbarger, a native of Piqua and 1961 graduate of Piqua High School, served as an Air Force Pararescueman assigned to the 38th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron in Vietnam. During a fierce battle near Cam My, Pitsenbarger voluntarily descended into an active combat zone to rescue and care for wounded Army soldiers under intense enemy fire. After helping evacuate numerous wounded personnel, he refused extraction in order to remain on the ground with injured soldiers still under attack. For hours, he treated the wounded, redistributed ammunition, and defended surrounded troops before ultimately being killed in action. More than 60 men survived the battle because of his actions.
For his extraordinary heroism, Pitsenbarger was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2000 and promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Today, his legacy continues to inspire generations of Airmen and Pararescuemen under the enduring motto: “That Others May Live.”
The weekend’s events began at Piqua High School, where more than 200 history and social studies students attended a special screening of the film “The Last Full Measure,” which chronicles the decades long effort to upgrade Pitsenbarger’s Air Force Cross to the Medal of Honor. The showing carried special significance as students viewed the film in the very school from which Pitsenbarger graduated. School officials worked closely with the chapter to secure parental approvals and provide students with the opportunity to participate during the school day.
Memorial display in Piqua High School and Mud Soldiers talking to
students after the movie
Following the student screening, film director Todd Robinson joined surviving Mud Soldiers and representatives from Save A Warrior for discussions with students and community members. Later that evening, a public screening of the film drew an additional audience of more than 200 attendees.
Mud Soldier “Fireside chat” in The Social (food court” at Piqua Center
The educational component of the weekend extended beyond the film itself. Throughout the events, students and community members had opportunities to hear directly from veterans who fought alongside Pitsenbarger and from Pararescuemen who continue to carry forward his legacy of service and sacrifice.
Saturday’s events began at Pitsenbarger Park and Sports Complex in Piqua, where attendees gathered beneath the statue honoring Staff Sergeant Pitsenbarger for a formal commemorative ceremony. The event featured presentation of the colors by the 178th Wing Honor Guard from Springfield Air National Guard Base and the singing of the National Anthem by Piqua High School senior Chase Wright.
Ceremonies at Pitsenbarger Park and Sports Complex attended by
over 200 people
Speakers included representatives from the City of Piqua, the Air & Space Forces Association, the State of Ohio, and congressional offices. Special recognition was also provided through official proclamations and statements honoring the 60th anniversary of Pitsenbarger’s Medal of Honor actions. The ceremony concluded with a wreath laying at the base of the Pitsenbarger statue.
Representative of Governor DeWine’s office presents
proclamation to AFA’s Board Chair
Wreath laying ceremony and gathering of Mud Soldiers and
PJs/veterans in attendance
The commemoration then moved to Miami Memorial Park in nearby Covington, Ohio for graveside honors. Colonel Dustin Richards, Commander of the 88th Air Base Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, delivered remarks highlighting the lasting impact of Pitsenbarger’s sacrifice on today’s Airmen and the numerous facilities, awards, and memorials across the Air Force that bear his name.
The graveside ceremony concluded with a wreath laying by members of the Pitsenbarger family, a 21-gun salute provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4235, and the playing of Taps.
Colonel Richards, Tom Konz (stepbrother) and
Joyce Terrell (stepsister) lay wreath
Throughout the weekend, support from the Piqua community proved instrumental to the success of the events. Piqua City Office, Piqua High School, local veterans organizations, civic leaders, Mission BBQ, Headquarters Air and Space Forces Association, Destination Dayton, Piqua Center, Miami Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau, Todd Robinson Films, 178th Wing, Save A Warrior, and numerous volunteers partnered with the chapter to ensure the commemorations were conducted in a manner worthy of Staff Sergeant Pitsenbarger’s legacy.
For many attendees, the most meaningful aspect of the weekend was witnessing multiple generations come together to remember and learn about the sacrifice of a hometown hero whose actions continue to embody the highest ideals of service before self. The participation of students, veterans, military members, and members of the local community reinforced the enduring importance of preserving and sharing stories such as Pitsenbarger’s for future generations.
As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Wright Memorial Chapter remains honored to help preserve the legacy of Staff Sergeant William H. Pitsenbarger and all those who have given their last full measure in service to the nation.
