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Event Honoring Medal of Honor Recipient Staff Sergeant William H. Pitsenbarger
On April 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 Life
Event Details
Friday, April 10, 2026
Evening Screening
Showing of “The Last Full Measure” — a film inspired by Pitsenbarger’s story — at the Piqua Cinemark Theater (or alternate venue within Miami Valley Centre Mall).
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Morning Ceremony at Pitsenbarger Park (Piqua, OH) Approx. 9:30 AM
- American flag skydive
- National Anthem performance
- Keynote remarks and tributes
Graveside Ceremony at Miami Memorial Cemetery (Covington, OH) Approx. 11:00 AM
- Wreath laying
- 21-gun salute
- Taps and missing man flyover
- Members of the Pitsenbarger family
- Former Secretary of the Air Force Whitten Peters
- Governor Mike DeWine
- Senator Husted
- Senator Moreno
- Representative Mike Carey
- State Representative Johnathan Newman
- Col Dustin C. Richards, 88th Air Base Wing Commander
- Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David Flosi
- Piqua City Officials
Event Registration
When registration opens, event and ticket details will be available on our Events Page. Be sure to check back for updates and join us for this unforgettable weekend of tradition, pride, and camaraderie.
For more information, contact Mr. Carl Shofner, cshofner@afadaytonwright.org or Brenda Baker, bbaker@afadaytonwright.org.