William Pitsenbarger was born in Piqua, Ohio, on July 8, 1944, the only child of Irene and Frank Pitensbarger. He graduated from Piqua Central High School in 1962, then enlisted in the Air Force and became a pararescue and medical specialist. On April 11, 1966, at his own request, he was lowered by helicopter into the jungle of Vietnam to aid wounded soldiers. Although his life was in grave danger, he refused to evacuate and through his efforts was able to save the lives of nine of his fellow warriors. Later that same day he was fatally wounded and died on the battlefield. Of the 134 soldiers who began the battle, 106 became casualties. He was awarded the Air Force Cross in 1966 and the Congressional Medal of Honor in 2000. At least one dozen facilities around the world are named for him.