His Medal of Honor citation recalls, “Conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty … his bravery and determination exemplify the highest professional standards and traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Air Force.”
When Airman 1st Class William H. Pitsenbarger perished while single-handedly aiding, evacuating, defending and providing medical care to a unit of soldiers pinned down by the enemy deep in the Vietnam jungle, he left behind a legacy of bravery, valiance, determination and personal fortitude.
That legacy lives on in the new feature film, “The Last Full Measure,” which tells the story of the U.S. Air Force pararescueman awarded the country’s highest military honor, the Medal of Honor, 34 years after his death.
His memory is also honored by the Air Force Association through their annual Pitsenbarger scholarship program. The program awards scholarships to Air Force enlisted personnel graduating from the Community College of the Air Force who intend to obtain a bachelor’s degree and exemplify leadership, citizenship, teamwork, community service, personal development and dedication. Over the last decade, the AFA has awarded Pitsenbarger scholarship grants to more than four thousand Airmen, including between one and four Airmen at Tinker Air Force Base each year.
“We’re honored to do this and we’re honored to continue to recognize Airman Pitsenbarger for the ultimate sacrifice he gave for our country,” said Mark Tarpley, president of the Oklahoma State chapter of the AFA and a member of the AFA’s national board of directors.
“The Last Full Measure” will be released Jan. 24 in theaters across the country.
To learn more or apply for an AFA Pitsenbarger Award, visit https://www.afa.org/education/pitsenbarger-awards.
To donate to AFA’s Pitsenbarger program, visit https://afadonate.securepayments.cardpointe.com/pay.
AFA Pitsenbarger Awards
Air Force Association Pitsenbarger Awards provide a one-time grant of $400 and a one-year complimentary AFA eMembership to selected top USAF enlisted personnel graduating from the Community College of the Air Force who plan to pursue a baccalaureate degree (only). The grants coincide with the CCAF graduation ceremonies held each spring and fall.
Requirements/Evaluation Criteria
· Proof of current enrollment or intent to enroll in an accredited program leading to a baccalaureate degree must be submitted with the application.
· Citations and awards representing distinguished activity should be submitted with the application.
· A narrative statement describing your extracurricular activities and explaining their significance must be submitted with the application. Emphasize those activities that indicate leadership, citizenship, teamwork, community service, personal development, and dedication. Also, discuss other distinguishing activities and academic accomplishments. The narrative should also include undergraduate plans (e.g., school, the field of study, future goals).
· Commander’s endorsement must also be submitted with the application.
Award Allocation
· A check in the amount of $400
· A certificate is sent to the Education Service Office or local AFA chapter for presentation.
· A one-year complimentary eMembership to AFA