Operation Valor
Bonus content
U.S. Air Force: Portraits in Courage
William H. Pitsenbarger's heroic final mission during Operation Abilene
Airman First Class William Pitsenbarger volunteered for a dangerous rescue mission on April 11, 1966, near Cam My, Vietnam1. He descended into the jungle via helicopter hoist to aid wounded soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division under heavy enemy fire.Pitsenbarger refused multiple opportunities to evacuate, choosing instead to stay and fight alongside the infantry, treating the wounded and distributing ammunition. Despite being wounded three times, he continued to fight and care for others until he was fatally shot. His actions saved over 60 men and earned him a posthumous Medal of Honor.
How the HH-43B "Huskie" revolutionized air rescue operations in Vietnam
The Kaman HH-43 Huskie, nicknamed "Pedro," was one of the first helicopters used for air rescue in Vietnam. Its compact size and maneuverability made it ideal for operating in dense jungle environments The HH-43B's unique intermeshing rotor system allowed for excellent stability and lift capacity, crucial for rescue operations. Equipped for firefighting and rescue, the Huskie could quickly respond to aircraft crashes and extract downed aircrews from hostile territory
360° cockpit views
Day in the life: Pararescue jumpers like Pitsenbarger during Vietnam
Pararescue jumpers, or PJs, like Pitsenbarger, faced extreme danger daily during the Vietnam War. They would descend into combat zones via helicopter winch, often under enemy fire, to stabilize and evacuate injured personnel. PJs were trained in advanced medical care, combat tactics, and survival skills to operate in hostile environments. These elite airmen earned more decorations per person than any other USAF group in the Southeast Asia War.
“There was only one man on the ground that day that would have turned down a ride out of that hellhole — and that man was Pitsenbarger”
-F. David Peters, a member of Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division