35th Infantry (Cacti) Regiment Association


Home
Membership Purpose Board of Directors Constitution
Reunions
Scholarship Application Scholarship Awardees
KIA Index KIA Photos Needed KIA Tributes
Rosters History War Stories Photos Guestbook Links Contact

Back    KIA Index    Search

  PFC Dennis Stover Pitsenbarger    In memory of our fallen brother

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother"



Bravo Company
2nd Battalion
35th Infantry Regiment
Vietnam War

"Not For Fame or Reward
Not For Place or For Rank
But In Simple Obedience To
Duty as They Understood It"
National Defense Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal


The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, PFC Dennis Stover Pitsenbarger, who died in the service of his country on June 29th, 1965 in Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Small Arms/AW (Door gunner TDY to 502nd). At the time of his death Dennis was 26 years of age. He was from Doe Hill, Virginia. Dennis is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 02E, Line 24.

The decorations earned by PFC Dennis Stover Pitsenbarger include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.

Dennis is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. He is buried in Section 43 Grave # 3144. Section 43 is located near the Iwo Jima portion of the cemetery.

PFC Pitsenbarger was also awarded an ARCOM and an Air Medal w/1st OLC and V device for his heroic actions.

Award of Air Medal with V Device

For heroism while engaged in aerial flight in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Pitsenbarger distinguished himself on 29 June 1965, while flying as door gunner on a UH-1B helicopter engaged in support of operations in the vicinity of Cai Lay. His aircraft was delivering troops into known Viet Cong territory in order to engage the enemy. Upon landing in the hostile area, his aircraft became the target of intense small arms and automatic weapons fire. Realizing the situation, Private First Class Pitsenbarger assisted in the quick departure of the troops. He then leaned out the door of his aircraft, placing suppressive fire on the Viet Cong positions. With total disregard for his own personal safety, he carried out his duties in an exceptionally valorous manner. Private First Class Pitsenbarger was mortally wounded while trying to accomplish his mission despite the intense hostile fire directed at his aircraft. These actions are keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and Private First Class Pitsenbarger among the brave men of our country who have given of their time, efforts, and lives in the continuous struggle against aggression.