Pararescue is one of the most important jobs in our U.S. military and is one of the toughest jobs to get into and become a pararescue jumper. They have been around for a while and have a good history. Some of their most daring missions happened during the Vietnam War but the need for pararescue jumpers have been there since World War 2. They have truly mastered the craft now with all of the gear and technology there is today. I will discuss some missions that parescuemen have completed and some missions they have been on in recent years.
One of the most famous PJ’s to have ever been in the career field is William Pitsenbarger. Flying on almost 300 rescue missions in Vietnam, Bill Pitsenbarger risked his life almost daily during the war rescuing downed soldiers and fliers. On April 11, 1966, the 21-year-old, known as "Pits" to his friends, was killed while defending some of his wounded comrades. For his bravery and sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the nation's highest military decorations, the Medal of Honor and the Air Force Cross, becoming the first enlisted airman to receive the medals posthumously.
Pararescue Jumpers were also in big battles like the Battle of Mogadishu or most people know it by “Black Hawk Down.” Technical Sergeant Tim Wilkinson was the first one to receive the Air Force Cross since the Vietnam War for his actions during the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu. Ty Burrell portrayed Wilkinson in the 2001 film Black Hawk Down that chronicled the events of the Battle of Mogadishu.
Duane Hackney is another famous Air Force Para Jumper fro being the most decorated airman in all the Air Force. He became a legend in the rescue world; he earned four Distinguished Flying Crosses, for specific acts of heroism, and 18 Air Medals, many for single acts of valor. Then he received the Air Force Cross, for which he was the first living recipient, the Silver Star, the Airman's Medal, the Purple Heart, and several foreign decorations. He is a true inspiration to all people who have and want to be pararescue jumpers.
So many things pararescue has done for this world and so many things they are still doing this day. There is nothing more in this life that I want then to join the brotherhood and save lives next to some of the bravest men in the world. Pararescue is such an honorable job and it is what I think a hero is. To put on the maroon beret and to recite the pararescue creed is the start to a life of being a hero. “It is my duty as a Pararescueman to save lives and to aid the injured. I will be prepared at all times to perform my assigned duties quickly and efficiently, placing these duties before personal desires and comforts. These things I do, that others may live.” Hooyah!








