| Olinto M. Barsanti | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | November 11, 1917 |
| Died | May 2, 1973 (aged 55) |
| Place of birth | Nevada |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/branch |
 United States Army |
| Rank |
 Major General |
| Commands held | 101st Airborne Division |
| Battles/wars |
Korean War Cold War Vietnam War |
| Awards |
Distinguished Service Cross Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star (5) Legion of Merit (3) Bronze Star (8) Air Medal (8) Purple Heart (7) Croix de guerre with palms |
Olinto Mark Barsanti (November 11, 1917 – May 2, 1973) was commander of the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam from 1967–1968, commanding during the Tet Offensive and during subsequent operations around Bien Hoa and Huế. He previously served during World War II (in Normandy, Brittany, and Belgium) and the Korean War (at Seoul, Inchon, and with X Corps) and he is one of the most highly decorated American soldiers in history, receiving approximately 60 decorations, including the DSC, DSM, 5 Silver Stars, 2 Legions of Merit, 8 Bronze Stars, 8 Air Medals, 7 Purple Hearts, and the Croix de guerre with Palms.
Barsanti died of cancer in 1973. In his memory, the University of North Texas has established the Barsanti Military History Center. The current director of the Barsanti program is Geoffrey Wawro. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.[1]
Fort Campbell held a dedication ceremony for the Olinto M. Barsanti Elementary School, a Department of Defense Education Activity school. The new school is located in the southern portion of the Fort Campbell Army Post. The 93,000 square-foot, $18 million building was built to accommodate the growing availability of on-post-housing, and serves the Gardner Hills and The Woodlands housing areas. It opened its doors to approximately 550 Pre-K through 5th grade students on January 3, 2011.
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Michael Robert Patterson. "Olinto Mark Barsanti, Major General, United States Army". Arlingtoncemetery.net. http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/ombarsanti.htm. Retrieved 2012-02-11.
External links[edit | edit source]
| Military offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by |
Chief of Staff 5th US Army August 1968 – June 1971 |
Succeeded by |
| Preceded by Ben Sternberg |
Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division June 1967 – June 1968 |
Succeeded by Melvin Zais |
| Preceded by |
Comptroller US Army Europe September 1964 – May 1966 |
Succeeded by |
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