Rank Major General | Died May 2, 1973 Name Olinto Barsanti | |
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Born November 11, 1917
Nevada ( 1917-11-11 ) Allegiance United States of America Battles/wars World War II
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 Battles and wars World War II, Korean War, Cold War, Vietnam War | ||
Commands held 101st Airborne Division Service/branch United States Army | ||
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.
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.