- Olinto M. Barsanti
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Olinto M. Barsanti Died 1973 Allegiance United States Service/branch United States Army Rank Major General Commands held 101st Airborne Division Battles/wars Vietnam War Awards Distinguished Service Cross
Distinguished Service Medal
Silver Star (5)
Legion of Merit (2)
Bronze Star (8)
Air Medal (8)
Purple Heart (7)
Croix de guerre with palmsOlinto Mark Barsanti 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.
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.
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Military offices Preceded by Chief of Staff 5th US Army
August 1968 – June 1971Succeeded by Preceded by
Ben SternbergCommanding General of the 101st Airborne Division
June 1967 – June 1968Succeeded by
Melvin ZaisPreceded by Comptroller US Army Europe
September 1964 – May 1966Succeeded by Categories:- United States Army generals
- Recipients of the Distinguished Service Medal (United States)
- 1973 deaths
- Recipients of the Silver Star
- Recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross (United States)
- Recipients of the Legion of Merit
- Recipients of the Bronze Star Medal
- Recipients of the Air Medal
- American military personnel of the Vietnam War
- United States Army Command and General Staff College faculty
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