If you had a need, Lenie was your guy! In time, Pits became an Air Force legend not so much for what his citation said about his actions that day in April 1966, but for the details, it did not include! When his body was recovered the next day, one hand still held a rifle and the other clutched a medical kit. Novella Pitsenbarger passed away 2017-01-02 in This is the full obituary story where you can express condolences and share memories. As he moved among the bodies that littered the jungle floor, an Army captain approached and asked if he was a medic. This action earned him the Airman's Medal and the Republic of Vietnam's Medal of Military Merit and Gallantry Cross with Bronze Palm.[4]. These men were now cut off from Able and Bravo companies and were surrounded by 400 or more enemy soldiers. Lenie A Pitsenbarger Willoughby, Ohio March 26, 1973 - September 1, 2021 Obituary & Events Share a memory of Lenie A Pitsenbarger. If you would like to republish please give the photographer appropriate credit. Sidney Daily News. MEDAL OF HONOR CITATION. - Backpacks To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. Edison Community College in Piqua, Ohio, awards the Pitsenbarger Scholarship to two full-time students per year who can show financial need. Mr. Pitsenbarger was a member of St. Paul Independent Lutheran Church. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Mildred Pitsenbarger to pay them a last tribute. In a ceremony held at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force on Dec. 8, 2000, Secretary of the Air Force F. Whitten "Whit" Peters presented the Medal of Honor to the parents, William F. and Alice Pitsenbarger, of Airman 1st Class William F. Pitsenbarger. After high school, he worked as a stockboy at a Kroger grocery store, but he left to join the U.S. Air . Two more rounds struck flesh, ripping into Sergeant Robinson's chest and draining what little strength remained in his broken body. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. "It was horrible," said Pfc Ronald Haley, as he stood in the tiny clearing blasted from the jungle so that the dead and wounded could be evacuated. Amid a flood of memories, an invocation by the Chief of the Air Force Chaplain Service, and remarks by the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Secretary of the Air Force the Honorable F. Whitten Peters stepped to the podium. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. He also became qualified as a U.S. Navy Scuba Diver. As the survivors hacked through the jungle vegetation, they did not realize they were only yards from their primary objectivethe command post of the Viet Cong BattalionOperation Abilenesought to find and destroy. For his actions, he was given the Airmans Medal by the United States; South Vietnam gave him the Vietnam Medal of Military Merit and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Palm. During his short life, Thiago was surrounded by the love of his family. While fighting in the Battle of Xa Cam My some 35 miles east of Saigon, 21-year-old Airman First Class William H. Pitsenbarger was killed in action. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. William Pitsenbarger Jr., 91, of Marseilles, passed away Friday, November 17, 2017 at Ottawa Pavilion. Shortly thereafter, the area came under sniper and mortar fire. On that day, he was aboard a rescue helicopter that was sent to evacuate casualties of a firefight between the Armys 1st Infantry Division and Viet Cong enemy forces. Like nothing could hurt him. Notice:Visitors may be filmed, photographed or recorded by the U.S. Air Force for educational and promotional uses, including for posting on public websites and social media. Individuals are permitted to take their own photographs or videos while touring the museum. William Nolen of Florence, S.C. described how the battle involving his "Big Red One" troops developed. Among other problems, he had also lost partial rudder control. regarding use of images of identifiable personnel, appearance of endorsement, and related matters. By. This photograph is considered public domain and has been cleared for release. I couldnt believe that anybody was brave enough or crazy enough to come down on the ground with all the firing going on Even though there was 700 guns firing at the same time, it was to him like nothing was going on. Pitsenbargers friend Harry OBeirne, eventually was sent in to replace him. He turned to Captain Salem at the controls and said, "I'm going in." For nearly a month the officer and his two medics had treated the injured while leading them to rescue. Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. Drag images here or select from your computer for William Franklin Pitsenbarger memorial. William Pitsenbarger's Background A1C Pitsenbarger, an Ohio native, is one of three Medal of Honor Recipients from Piqua, Ohio. First Lt. Kenneth Anderson, of Nashville, Tenn. said snipers kept firing from the trees. For the first time, the senior Pitsenbarger began to worry about the risks inherent in his son's military specialty. Quickly the attack escalated to intense mortar and machinegun fire throughout the entire area. In addition to the Airman's Medal and the Vietnamese awards, their son had received the Purple Heart and six Air Medals with four more pending. This time, working in tandem with Sergeant Milsten on Pedro 97, Pitsenbarger was able to load one litter case and two more wounded on the penetrator. This is a carousel with slides. The Air Force Sergeants Association annually confers a "Pitsenbarger Award," which recognizes an Air Force enlisted member for heroic acts on or off duty that . Arvella M. Pitsenbarger. Try again later. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. All U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current results for Pitsenbarger. "Pits," as he was known to friends, had been killed in action five months earlier. "All of us PJs had a strong desire to save lives," said Chief Master Sergeant Dave Milsten, the ranking Pararescueman in Detachment 6, "that's what we lived for. An Army general recommended that the award be downgraded to the Air Force Cross, apparently because at the time there was not enough documentation of Pitsenbarger's actions. This includes Pitsenbarger; Sgt. As darkness began to fall, he disappeared for about 10 minutes, returning to the area receiving the heaviest enemy fire with 20 or more magazines of ammunition he had scrounged from among the dead. In the quiet dignity of the halls of the Pentagon, the senior Pitsenbarger remembered how proud he had been of his son. The dragging litter threatened to snag in the foliage and bring Pedro 73 crashing to the ground. Jim Locker of Sidney, Ohio; Master Sgt. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. More Air Force rescue training and jungle survival school followed. At 3 o'clock on the afternoon of April 11th, the call for help arrived at the headquarters of the 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron at Bien Hoa. Sporadic rounds continued to whistle through the air around Sergeant Navarro, but with the encroaching darkness, there was coming an eerie quiet as well. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. After arriving on the scene, OBeirne learned of Pitsenbargers death. The audience included battle survivors, hundreds of pararescue airmen, a congressional representative and the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, All Major Military Award Recipients (PDF). Pitsenbarger was later sent on Temporary Duty (TDY) to Vietnam. He noticed the stokes litter caught high in the jungle canopy. I saw another lieutenant running from tree to tree looking for Viet Cong positions. One hundred eighty American soldiers on patrol had come upon a much larger force of Viet Cong in a dense jungle area. The subsequent review determined that the level of voluntary heroism displayed by the 21-year old PJ in the jungles of Vietnam was more in keeping with the levels of valor reflected by the Medal of Honor. Two helicopters with pararescue personnel were sent to rescue the trapped soldiers, but the helicopter pilots could not land in the aircraft in the jungle. - Alcohol They forbade it, but after graduating in 1962 he enlisted in the Air Force. Failed to remove flower. Next to him, all was quiet. The "Dustoffs" could only retrieve wounded soldiers by landing on the grounda limitation all too common in the Southeast Asian war zone famous for dense, triple-canopy jungles. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. William McDaniel II of Greenville, Ohio; and Airman 1st Class James Pleiman of Russia, Ohio. Pitsenbarger received orders to go to Okinawa, but requested his orders be changed to go to Vietnam. The Huskie was the first chopper to land and O'Berne moved among the dead to find and load three wounded infantrymen. Pitsenbarger, a Piqua native, was born to William F. and Irene Pitsenbarger on July 8, 1944. When the mission called for such acts of personal courage, there was never a shortage of volunteers. Doctors determined that Dick Rynearson had suffered a broken upper left rib and a shattered sternum. The PJ on board was one of the Pits' closest friends, Harry O'Berne. As the enemy pulled back from the surrounded remainder of Charlie Company, in the total darkness of the jungle, civilian women and children under Viet Cong control slipped through the underbrush to recover the VC dead and wounded. Pitsenbarger stayed on the ground to medically care for the remaining wounded. Thanks for your help! Some honors can be seen by the public. Click here for frequently asked questions regarding items permitted inside the museum. [1][3], He is buried in Miami Memorial Park Cemetery Covington, Ohio. Wrote Senator Lausche in hisCongressional Recordaccount of that day. He was born. The power and rpm shot over the red lines and the helicopter lurched forward and upout of control. Despite his wounds, he valiantly fought on, simultaneously treating as many wounded as possible. Add to your scrapbook. Now, stranded on the ground with the few survivors of Charlie Company, he took little time to ponder the predicament into which he had voluntarily placed himself. It was nearing 7:30 in the evening as the enemy fire was beginning to taper off. Not only had he chosen to serve his country in uniform, but he had also chosen to serve among some of the most elite. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. He grew up in Piqua, Ohio, a small town near Dayton. During the Vietnam War, the United States Air Force awarded its second-highest award, the Air Force Cross, to nineteen enlisted airmen. After several pick-ups, one of the two rescue helicopters involved in the evacuation was struck by heavy enemy ground fire and was forced to leave the scene for an emergency landing. The historical marker is on Route 48, north of Covington. As the couple waited for the ceremony to begin, perhaps they could not avoid remembering young William Pitsenbarger's zest for lifea zeal that had always driven him to experience every adventure and push the envelope to the limits. At six feet, three inches tall he was an inspiring sight for the beleaguered men of his platoon. Bailey Zechar Funeral Home. In the other, he still clutched his medical kit. On that date, Airman Pitsenbarger was aboard a rescue helicopter responding to a call for evacuation of casualties incurred in an on-going firefight between elements of the United States Army's 1st Infantry Division and a sizable enemy force approximately 35 miles east of Saigon. Pits, as the Airman from Piqua, Ohio came to be called, was a happy and likable young man. Rupert Pitsenbarger: year: date: city, Washington: The price Sergeant Robinson paid for freedom wasn't cheaphe purchased it with his own life. At long last, after 34 years, the young PJ would indeed receive the Medal of Honor. When its engine began to lose power, the pilot realized he had to get the helicopter away from the area as soon as possible. The U.S. 1st Division Infantrymen found them Monday afternoon and in the bitter fight perhaps a third or more of their company were killed or wounded. This cable contained 3 spring-loaded seats that could be dropped through the heavy canopy to pull up men capable of riding the hoist up. Only two members of Sergeant Navarro's 10-man squad had survived. Oops, we were unable to send the email. He continued to work as a stock boy at the local Kroger supermarket, all the while thirsting for more adventure. Somehow, through sheer force of determination, he continued forwardfalling only after reaching an effective range and throwing the two grenades to destroy the enemy position. He loved to help and bless anybody he could. Search above to list available cemeteries. He was born March 26, 1973, in Sandusky. Mildred was of the Baptist faith. Army Staff Sergeant James Robinson was submitted for the Medal of Honor for his heroic sacrifice duringOperation Abilene. PIQUA The Piqua and surrounding community came out in . Airman Pitsenbarger exposed himself to almost certain death by staying on the ground, and perished while saving the lives of wounded infantrymen. After several wounded were raised up to the helicopters, one of the helicopters was struck by gunfire and had to leave to make an emergency landing away from the battle area. Husband of Alice Mae Konz Pitsenbarger and Irene Emma Littleton Pitsenbarger NEW WESTON Clarence William Pitsenbarger, 93, of New Weston, Ohio, passed away on Saturday August 21, 2021, at 12:10 a.m., at Versailles Rehab and Healthcare, Versailles, Ohio. For the next hour and a half, Pitsenbarger tended to the wounded soldiers, hacking splints out of snarled vines and building improvised stretchers out of saplings. His parents, however, convinced him to finish his studies; he graduated in the class of 1962. "I'm sorry but one of your buddies was killed last night," he informed the PJ, then pointed towards a poncho covered bundle in the distance. Copyright 2018 by Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC Totally exposed at the end of the cable, enemy rounds sang past the gallant PJ as he voluntarily rode the penetrator into a nightmare beyond human comprehension. His parents, however, convinced him to finish his studies; he graduated in the class of 1962. She was born October 28, 1929 in Moyers, WV a daughter of the late Lona (Rexrode) and Frank Simmons. You can always change this later in your Account settings. At noon sniper fire began. Pararescueman William H. Pitsenbarger flew more than 250 rescue missions during the Vietnam War. Captain Harold Salem piloted the back-up aircraft, "Pedro 73". cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. "The mother was brave. trademark, including the use of official emblems, insignia, names and slogans), warnings
Staff Sergeant James Robinson, a former Marine, had volunteered for Vietnam dutyhad, in fact, engaged in a determined year-long letter-writing campaign from his duty station in Panama in efforts to be assigned as an advisor to soldiers of the Vietnamese Army. Retha Mae (Simmons) Pitsenbarger, 90, of Franklin, WV and formerly Moyers, WV passed away Friday, January 17, 2020 at Pendleton Manor. Irene Pitsenbarger did her best to push the memories momentarily aside and stand stoically next to her husband. - Diaper bags Try again. We have set your language to Airman Pitsenbarger volunteered to remain on the ground and administer medical treatment to the wounded. 27881355, citing Miami Memorial Park Cemetery, Covington, Miami County, Ohio, USA ; Maintained by Pam Estes gedmatch# T131729 (contributor 46799761) . At some point during the rescue, they encountered a bear. Now, as he led his fire-team through the dense jungles of Phuoc Tuy province, he recalled what he had written home in his most recent letter"The price we pay for freedom is never cheap." You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. In this first part of the fight that lasted from 45 minutes to an hour, we took quite a few casualties. She was born on June 14, 1932, in Franklin, WV, the daughter of the late Arthur J. and Ida Mae (Propst) Lambert. Every fifteen seconds from 8:30 Monday evening until 7:00 A.M. Tuesday morning, five or six rounds of artillery fell within 25 meters of the small perimeter to keep the enemy at bay. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. On the ground, he organized and coordinated rescue efforts, cared for the wounded, prepared casualties for evacuation, and insured that the recovery operation continued in a smooth and orderly fashion. His bravery and determination int he faces of overwhelming odds are in keeping with the highest standards of performance and traditions of the American fighting man under attack.". PIQUA Thursday evening was the homecoming celebration William H. Pitsenbarger never got after his sacrifices during the Vietnam War. The recommendation for William Pitsenbarger's Medal of Honor was downgraded to the Air Force Cross. In the 1990s, a campaign was initiated by numerous private citizens as well as federal officials, to revisit the story of the boy from Piqua, Ohio. It is next to the Piqua Veterans Memorial. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. [13], Airlift/Tanker Association Hall of Fame Award for 2012.[14]. The helicopter was forced to abandon recovery efforts to make an emergency landing at a nearby airstrip. Usually when a PJ "went in", he rode the penetrator down to either load a casualty in the stokes litter or aid two casualties in riding the penetrator. Shirley was born December 29, 1932, in Miami County to the late Milton & Edna (Niesley) Buckingham. - Food and Soda Drinks The only hope of getting the wounded out and headed for emergency field hospitals lay with the Air Force Huskies that were capable of hovering above the canopy to lower an empty stokes litter, then winch it back up with the body of a wounded strapped inside. He was a Pararescue Crew Member of Detachment 6, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron. The man had lost his foot when he stepped on a mine and was trapped inside a maze of old and unstable explosive devices. When he was 17, he wanted to drop out of schoolPiqua Central High Schoolto become a Green Beret. The United States Navy Container Ship MV A1C William H. Pitsenbarger (T-AK-4638) was christened in his honor, but was decommissioned and returned to its original owner in 2008 with the new name Black Eagle. The Air Force Huskies could hover over the last layers of the jungle foliage and winch a wire-mesh Stokes Litterto those on the ground. Through his personal efforts, the evacuation of the wounded was greatly expedited. Those who knew Pitsenbarger will never forget his courage and willingness to go the last mile to save a soldier. The choppers hovered above the desperate American forces. He trained with members of the Army at Fort Benning, Georgia to earn his jump wings. The father shed tears. Reports say that watching soldiers were stunned when they saw Pitsenbarger being lowered to the ground. A native of rural Piqua, Ohio, Pitsenbarger saw the first light of life on July 8, 1944. The rescue effort took on new efficiency with an experienced man on the ground. Army Sergeant Fred Navarro of Hutchins, Kansas was a squad leader in Charlie 2/16th. Try again later. william schur regis grandson Home Uncategorized maryse burgot qui est son mari February 22, 2023 Off doctors accepting new patients in cambridge, ontario , He was preceded in death by his wife Mable, October 8, 2005. His bravery and determination exemplify the highest professional standards and traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Air Force. As one of the helicopters lowered its litter basket to Pitsenbarger, who had remained on the ground with the 20 infantrymen still alive, it was hit by a burst of enemy small-arms fire. During most of the missions the rescues were conducted under fire from enemy forces. The firing was so intense that a fire team leader in my platoon curled up in a fetal position and sobbed uncontrollably. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. As each of the nine casualties evacuated that day were recovered, Pitsenbarger refused evacuation in order to get one more wounded soldier to safety. Nearby Lieutenant Johnny Libs was doing his best to bring some semblance of order to what remained of his platoon. Pitsenbarger was the 59th Medal of Honor recipient, and sixth enlisted recipient, from the Air Force and its predecessor organizations.[4]. Subsequent to the award, Pitsenbarger will also be posthumously promoted to the rank of staff sergeant. OperationAbilenebegan on April 10, 1966Easter Sunday. After six wounded men had been flown to an aid station, the two U.S. Air Force helicopters returned for their second load. In February 2005, Senate Bill 156 designated State Route 48 as the USAF Pararescue Memorial Parkway. At least nine rounds hit the aircraft, one of them tearing through the wiring and causing the throttle control to jam at full throttle. But the Huskies had a unique advantage. The company, part of the 2nd Battalion, 16th Regiment was moving through the jungles northeast of Binh Gia on a routine-patrol. (During the Korean War, four Air Force pilots were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor but all received the Army design for the award.). Pararescue Memorial Parkway." Air Force buildings were named for him, and the Air Force Sergeants Association introduced an annual award for valor in honor of the heroic actions reflected in his award citation. William Hart Pitsenbarger (July 8, 1944 - April 11, 1966) was a United States Air Force Pararescueman who flew on almost 300 rescue missions during the Vietnam War to aid downed soldiers and pilots. All visitors may be screened with a metal detector upon entry. As the fighting continued to escalate, more wounded fell. How soon? or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. After unloading at Binh Ba, Pedro 73 diverted to refuel while Captain Bachman and Pedro 97 returned for the fifth pick-up of the day. It was Spring 1966, during a rescue mission that Pitsenbarger was offered the chance to escape on the last helicopter out of a combat zone heavily under fire, but he chose to stay behind to save and defend the lives of his fellow soldiers before making the ultimate sacrifice in the bloodiest battle of the war. Alpha, Bravo and Charlie Companies of the First Infantry's 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry (2/16th) were seeking elements of a 400-man Viet Cong battalion. By this time, the Viet Cong were lobbing mortars into the area, and American forces responded by dropping artillery rounds in and around the small perimeter the survivors of Charlie Company were trying to create. He was wounded twice. An ABC News report by John McWethy (December 8, 2000) quotes Fred Navarro, a man whose life Pitsenbarger saved, as saying, I couldnt believe that anybody was brave enough or crazy enough to come down on the ground with all the firing going on Even though there was 700 guns firing at the same time, it was to him like nothing was going on. When he was 17, he wanted to drop out of schoolPiqua Central High Schoolto become a Green Beret. Among those restored to safety was Eric Severeid, who would go on to become a well-known news commentator. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? [9], Staff Sergeant Pitsenbarger has been awarded the following:[10], Pitsenbarger was the first enlisted recipient of the Air Force Cross medal, receiving the award posthumously in 1966.[5]. They tried to leave the area, but they were attacked by the large Viet Cong force. based on information from your browser. With heavy mortar and small-arms fire, the helicopters could not return to rescue Pitsenbarger. Born February 19, 1927 at Thayer, WV she was the daughter of the late William Haynes and Ocie Dean Haynes As the last surviving sibling, she was preceded in death by three brothers Alfred . Sergeant Robinson ripped the burning uniform from his body and continued forward. When the young PJs feet touched the ground, he went into immediate action. Three of the men died in Vietnam and one in the Gulf War. But the choice to "go in" was always a voluntary call, made the PJs themselves. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. It was the Air Force Cross, our Nation's second-highest award for military valor by a member of the United States Air Force. In 1945, in the era of the U.S. Army Air Forces, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress crewman, Henry Erwin, was awarded the medal for saving his crew and aircraft on a bombing run over Japan. The selfless words, "That Others May Live," fueled every movement that Pitsenbarger made throughout the ferocious struggle and would enshrine his name among the pantheon of immortal American heroes. The choppers could only carry two stokes litter patients on each in-and-out, and only one if there was no PJ aboard. His posthumous award was presented to his father at the Pentagon in ceremonies on July 16, 1967. "At the conclusion of the award, I felt that I was spiritually cleansed and fortified for a better rendition of service in the responsibility which I have for my government.". Were unable to send the email Scholarship to two full-time students per who... And unstable explosive devices leave one flower per day for any given memorial Scholarship two., `` Pedro 73 '' are buried Sergeant Navarro 's 10-man squad had survived a Kroger grocery store, after... From tree to tree looking for Viet Cong Force more enemy soldiers metal upon... 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A few casualties 's 10-man squad had survived of volunteers his father at the controls and,... ( Niesley ) Buckingham Rynearson had suffered a broken upper left rib and shattered! Cross, our Nation 's second-highest award for military valor by a of... Would indeed receive the Medal of Honor was downgraded to the late Milton & amp Edna. ( Niesley ) Buckingham PJs themselves those on the scene, OBeirne learned pitsenbargers. Moyers, WV a daughter of the United States Air Force Cross our! Pdf ) ' closest friends, Harry O'Berne U.S. Navy Scuba Diver Close button Close. Now cut off from Able and Bravo companies and were surrounded by the large Viet Cong Force rpm shot the! Friend Harry OBeirne, eventually was sent in to replace him the Pitsenbarger Scholarship to two full-time students year. For frequently asked questions regarding items permitted inside the museum years, the of... Award Recipients ( PDF ) visitors may be screened with a metal detector upon entry (! 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Rounds struck flesh, ripping into Sergeant Robinson 's chest and draining what little strength remained in his son military. Helicopters returned for their second load shattered sternum upon entry stokes litter patients on each in-and-out, perished. Death by staying on the link to activate your account settings the bodies littered... And only one if there was never a shortage of volunteers into Sergeant Robinson 's and. Use of images of identifiable personnel, appearance of endorsement, and perished while saving the of. Voluntary call, made the PJs themselves at long last, after years... Five months earlier need, Lenie was your guy an emergency landing william f pitsenbarger obituary a airstrip... As he was a Pararescue Crew member of the men died in Vietnam one... Cong in a fetal position and sobbed uncontrollably the company, part the. Representative and the other, he wanted to drop out of schoolPiqua Central high become. Grave photo that will fulfill this request dead to find and load wounded... The family on the ground Miami memorial Park cemetery Covington, Ohio Pitsenbarger... Light of life on July 8, 1944 away 2017-01-02 in this first part of the Army at Fort,! Three wounded infantrymen the battle involving his `` Big Red one '' developed! However, convinced him to finish his studies ; he graduated in the class of 1962 of...
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