# @af_academy on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DdFDeUulBtu
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/70363413-af-academy-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/f9bc497959.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-09-09T19:51:41.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** U.S. Air Force Academy (@af_academy) — https://gondola.cc/af_academy

## Caption

🇺🇸 Each #USAFA class selects an exemplar whose character and legacy represent qualities they strive to embody throughout their Academy journey and future service.

The Class of 2029 honored Airman 1st Class William H. Pitsenbarger as their class exemplar, carrying forward the legacy of an Airman whose courage and selflessness embodied the pararescue motto, “𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲.”

🪖 During the Vietnam War, Pitsenbarger was lowered from a helicopter into battle near Cẩm Mỹ to aid wounded Soldiers. Although he had opportunities to leave, he remained on the ground caring for the wounded until he was killed in action. He was posthumously promoted to Staff Sgt. and awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions.

For #USAFA2029, Pitsenbarger’s 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲, 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘀𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 will serve as a standard as they continue their development as cadets and future officers.

#LongBlueLine #HonorTheLineages

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## Tags

usafa2029, usafa, longblueline, honorthelineages

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