Pitsenbarger's A Light In The Midst Of Darkness

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A Light in the Midst of Darkness
Bravery is simply finding faith in oneself, accepting risks and danger, and facing fear when no one else will.
Faith comes in all shapes in sizes, from humans faith in religion to the faith of a college student receiving an “A” on their exam. Faith in oneself emboldens bravery and heroic actions. Medal of Honor recipient William H. Pitsenbarger of the 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron during the Vietnam War is a wonderful example of a brave man. A man, who ultimately found faith in himself, accepted the risks and dangers of his career field and was willing to face his fears in order to save the lives of over a half-dozen American soldiers. Pitsenbarger was described by his best friend Henry J. O’Beirne as “an ordinary man who did extraordinary things.” (Henry J. O’Berine former Air Force pararescuman of the 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron)
Accepting risk and the danger that follows can be a daunting task for anyone to bear on their own. Like the soldiers on the battlefield in Vietnam, they understood the risks of enlisting in the military and would soon realize the dangers …show more content…

Fear itself can be an immobilizing force, wrecking lives, destroying cities and even conquering civilizations. Without fear there is no bravery, but with bravery all fear can be conquered. Pitsenbarger conquered that fear the moment he rappelled down the rope from his Kaman HH-43 Huskie helicopter and into the dense jungle of Vietnam. Daniel Kirby, a Company C rifleman recalled Pitsenbarger’s actions “I was stunned that somebody was coming down to put themselves in that situation. It’s hard to believe that someone would voluntarily come into that battle and stay with it. He had to be the bravest person I’ve ever known.” (Daniel Kirby former Company C rifleman) With this selfless action Pitsenbarger faced his fears and overcame them in a pure act of

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