A PROPOSED MEMORIAL FOR
WILLIAM H. PITSENBARGER
MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT

To be emplaced at the USAF Pararescue School
Completion date targeted for March 2004

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The following summary presents the conceptual basis and a general description of design considerations regarding the recently initiated sculptural memorial honoring Airman William H. Pitsenbarger.

            The presentation, as illustrated by the rendering, was developed to accomplish several key objectives. From the standpoint of design, the bold stone base serves not only to achieve a dignified and refined presentation, but also to set this sculpture apart from visually competitive elements in the immediate environment of the memorial. The stone base additionally provides an ideal format and device upon which to present an enlarged cast facsimile of the Medal of Honor. Moreover, at the size proposed, the base allows the portrait to be configured in a kneeling orientation while still achieving a properly elevated position. The cast bronze sculptural figure placed on a black granite base will be executed at about 110% of life size and the composition will stand about seven feet tall.

            The rendering above intends to reflect the general posture and attitude of the figure. It is not, at this stage, intended to capture a likeness of Airman Pitsenbarger, or to accurately illustrate, for example, details of his uniform.

            The kneeling posture was chosen as highly appropriate for this portrait inasmuch as it reflects the position that he would have often assumed while providing aid. His unequivocal role as a combatant is equally reinforced by the firm and ready grip upon his weapon. His upper body is turning hard and his head is lifted skyward. This presentation thus remembers the epic event as it unfolded on 11 April 1966, near Cam My, in which Pararescueman Pitsenbarger chose, irreversibly, to commit himself to the ground engagement and last saw his helicopter withdraw over the jungle canopy. Emphatically, it will be seen in this sculpture that his momentary, but penetrating focus is toward the sky, where the seat and soul of every United States Airman does truly reside.

            The artist partners J. Mark Rowland and Cynthia Rowland will work closely with the Air Force and Pararescue communities to achieve a high level of virtue in this important project. CMSgt Bruce Hickson, Commandant of the USAF Pararescue School, is their principal point of contact.

Significant commissions that the Rowlands have recently completed include the Senator Dennis Chavez Memorial on Civic Plaza in Albuquerque, NM, and the colossal “Florida Panthers” for the Orlando Convention Center. The artists state: “We will endow the William Pitsenbarger Memorial with a powerful presence that reflects not only the portraiture of Airman Pitsenbarger, but will also convey his demonstrated firmness and gallantry of purpose. It will thus personify the noble mission and creed of all his brother Pararescuemen, for which he gave the ultimate measure of devotion: That Others May Live”.

How are we going to accomplish this goal?

The answer is with YOUR help!

The USAF Pararescue Association has taken on the task of bringing this proposal to fruition. The association is going to need the help of all it's members and friends of the association to make this proposal a reality. Estimated cost for this project is $120,000.00

The artists are in the process of producing a clay 24-inch tall maquette sculpture which is scheduled to be cast in bronze at a future date. Some of the work has already been completer and is pictured below. This sculpture and the photograph on the top of this page were on display to association members at the USAF Pararescue School during a barbeque for the PJ Reunion on 13 September 2002 and at the associations business meeting. Click on the thumbnails below to see larger photos.

During the business meeting of the PJ Association, a unanimous vote was taken to support this proposal and use the association as the focal point to make this a reality. A committee was formed that will make recommendations to the association regarding this project. The committee will also work to solicit contributions for this project.

The committee is comprised of:
Bob Wheeler, Chair
Bruce Hickson
Bill Watson
Jim Nash
Art Cormier

The first meeting was held just after the PJ Association general meeting.  They focused on the fund raising. The committee is going to try and find some major corporate donations but will also work on collecting donations from association members and friends of the Pararescue Association

What can you do to help?

Send money and solicit donations

We cannot count on major corporate donations. We need everyone to give a little. Mail checks to:

Send $20.00 $50.00 or $100.00

If you know any friends or businesses which might donate $500.00 or $1000.00 contact them and explain this project to them. Americans are in a patriotic mood these days because of the war on terrorism. Capitalize on this to try and get them to help fund this project to honor an American hero who gave his life for their freedom.

We can make this happen but we are going to have to work hard. If you have any fund raising ideas, contact one of the committee members and tell them about it. Email can be sent to John Cassidy jcassidy@alaska.net

Well, that's it. It's time for action. Get out your checkbook now and mail a check today. Mine will be on the way as soon as I am done typing here. Let's all give a little and made this another PJ mission that is successfull.

Hoo-Ya

Above and below are the latest photo's of the Mockette taken in June 2003. The following  is a message from CMSgt Bruce Hickson. He is the Commandant of the PJ School and is heading up the project.

"--Please pass this out. Randy Galloway (PJ Association President) & I reviewed the clay mockette (22" high version) of the Pitsenbarger Memorial & approved it for final casting by the sculptors Mark & Cynthia Rowland of ABQ NM.

--What's Next?? --Final completion of this mockette is anticipated for end of August 03 for display inside at the PJ School.

--This mockette will used to raise/collect $$ to sculpt @ 110% of life size memorial (estimated @ $90-100K). --Todate, we've collected $10,250  & $5,000 has been paid for the clay mockette. The remaining $5K+ will cover mold-making/casting/bronzing."

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