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Is the movie The Last Full Measure (2020) based on a true story?

Sophia Williams Sophia Williams Jan 04, 2017 · 2 mins read
Is the movie The Last Full Measure (2020) based on a true story?
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Yes, The Last Full Measure (2020) is based on a true story about William H. Pitsenbarger, a U.S. Air Force Pararescueman who was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroism during the Vietnam War. The movie tells the story of the decades-long fight to have Pitsenbarger’s medal upgraded from an Air Force Cross to the Medal of Honor, and the efforts of a Pentagon staffer to uncover the truth about Pitsenbarger’s actions during the war.

What is the true story behind the movie The Last Full Measure (2020)?

The Last Full Measure (2020) is based on the true story of Airman William H. Pitsenbarger, Jr. who was killed during the Vietnam War on April 11, 1966. Pitsenbarger was a U.S. Air Force Pararescueman (also known as a PJ) who had been assigned to the 38th Rescue Squadron.

On that day in 1966, Pitsenbarger was aboard a helicopter that was responding to a call for help from ground troops who were engaged in a firefight with North Vietnamese soldiers. Despite knowing that the situation was dangerous, Pitsenbarger chose to volunteer to rappel down to the ground to help with the rescue mission.

Over the next several hours, Pitsenbarger helped to save the lives of several wounded soldiers on the ground. He refused to leave even when given the chance to do so, stating that his job was to save lives. Ultimately, Pitsenbarger was killed during the rescue mission, and he was posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross for his bravery.

The Last Full Measure tells the story of the decades-long effort to have Pitsenbarger’s courage recognized with the nation’s highest military honor, the Medal of Honor. It highlights the efforts of Vietnam veteran and Pentagon employee Scott Huffman, who became involved in the campaign to secure the medal for Pitsenbarger, and the sacrifices made by Pitsenbarger’s family and fellow soldiers to pursue justice in his memory.

In 2000, President Bill Clinton awarded the Medal of Honor to Pitsenbarger during a ceremony at the White House, where his family and many of the soldiers he had saved were in attendance. It was the first time in over 30 years that a Medal of Honor had been awarded for bravery during the Vietnam War. The Last Full Measure pays tribute to the heroism and sacrifice of Pitsenbarger and those who fought for him to receive the recognition he deserved.

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Sophia Williams
Written by Sophia Williams
Always exploring new horizons and pushing the boundaries.