Event Honoring Medal of Honor Recipient Staff Sergeant William H. Pitsenbarger
On April 10 & 11, 2026, the Air & Space Forces (AFA) Wright Memorial Chapter (WMC) will proudly join the City of Piqua and community partners in honoring the 60th anniversary of the heroic sacrifice of Airman 1st Class William H. Pitsenbarger, a true American hero and Medal of Honor recipient. Pitsenbarger grew up in Piqua and lies in rest in nearby Covington. This commemorative weekend will be part of the City of Piqua’s “America 250” celebrations, recognizing 250 years of American independence.
About
Airman 1st Class William H. Pitsenbarger served as a Pararescueman (PJ) with the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. On April 11, 1966, while rescuing wounded soldiers under intense enemy fire near Cam My, Vietnam, he was mortally wounded and made the ultimate sacrifice. For his actions, that saved the lives of 60 soldiers, he received the Air Force Cross. The Air Force Cross was later upgraded to the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration for valor, and awarded to his family by then Secretary of the Air Force F Whitten Peters. He was posthumously promoted to Staff Sergeant during this ceremony at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
Learn more about his story and legacy in this feature from This Local Life: Pitsenbarger Memorial Event Set – This Local LifeEvent Details
Friday, April 10, 2026
A Free Evening Screening of “The Last Full Measure” — a film inspired by Pitsenbarger’s story, at 6:30PM Eastern. This will be shown at the Piqua High School. This film is rated "R" for language common to stressful and combat environments (it is not gratuitous), as well as recreated combat scenes. Attendees under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Register here or via the link below for the Friday night screening.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Morning Ceremony at Pitsenbarger Park (Piqua, OH) 10:00 AM
- American flag skydive
- National Anthem
- Invocation
- Keynote remarks and tributes
Parking map for Pitsenbarger Park can be seen here.
Graveside Ceremony at Miami Memorial Cemetery (Covington, OH) 11:30 AM
- Remarks by Colonel Dustin Richards, Commander, 88th Air Base Wing, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH
- Wreath laying
- 21-gun salute
- Taps
- Flyover by the 123rd Airlift Wing, Louisville KY
These events are open to the General Public. Invited Special Guests include:
- Governor Mike DeWine
- Senator Jon Husted
- Congressman Mike Carey
- State Representative Johnathan Newman
- Former Secretary of the Air Force Whit Peters
- Chairman of the Board Air Force and Space Association Kathleen Ferguson
- Mayor Jim Vetter, Mayor of Piqua City
Register for Saturday's events here or via the link below.
Event Registration
Friday Night - Free Screening of "The Last Full Measure" | Saturday - Pitsenbarger Park Ceremony and/or Graveside Ceremony |
For more information, contact Mr. Carl Shofner, cshofner@afadaytonwright.org or Brenda Baker, bbaker@afadaytonwright.org.