The Last Full Measure 2020
Directed by
Todd Robinson
Made by
Roadside Attractions
Plot Summary
At the core of The Last Full Measure is the remarkable story of William H. Pitsenbarger, a courageous U.S. Air Force Pararescueman who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War. On the fateful day of April 11, 1966, known as Pits by his friends, he made a daring choice to leave the safety of his helicopter amidst fierce enemy fire to aid wounded soldiers, despite the hesitations of his comrades. His altruistic actions saved numerous lives, and when the order came for the last helicopter to depart, Pitsenbarger chose to stay behind, ultimately sacrificing his life for the men of the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division.
Fast forward thirty-two years, we meet Scott Huffman (Sebastian Stan), a diligent Pentagon staff member who is unexpectedly assigned the responsibility of investigating a Medal of Honor request for Pitsenbarger, put forth by his parents and Tom Tulley (William Hurt), a fellow Pararescueman who served alongside him. As Huffman begins to unravel the layers of this hero’s legacy, he encounters a shocking revelation: for decades, the Air Force had neglectfully failed to submit the names of brave enlisted personnel for consideration of this esteemed medal, despite Pitsenbarger’s gallant death in 1966.
Inspired by Pitsenbarger’s extraordinary bravery and his strong desire to shed light on such a significant narrative, Huffman takes a risky path that could jeopardize his career and strain his relationship with the company’s ex-commanding officer—now a U.S. senator aiming for reelection. When the Senate’s refusal to grant the medal is entangled in unrelated political disputes, Huffman bravely decides to share Pitsenbarger’s story with the public.
Ultimately, Pitsenbarger is awarded the Medal of Honor through a presidential decree. In a heartfelt moment before the award ceremony, Ray Mott (Ed Harris) finds the strength to deliver Pitsenbarger’s poignant final letter to his former love. As the ceremony unfolds, Pitsenbarger’s parents, who are dealing with their own loss as their son faces terminal cancer, stand alongside the soldiers whose lives were deeply affected by Pitsenbarger’s selfless deeds. The Air Force Secretary presents the medal to his parents, acknowledging the profound effect of Pitsenbarger’s heroism. The narrative concludes with a somber reflection that, as of 2019, only three enlisted Airmen have received the Medal of Honor among millions of U.S. military personnel.
Timeline
The Day of Sacrifice
On April 11, 1966, U.S. Air Force Pararescueman William H. Pitsenbarger makes a courageous decision amidst fierce enemy fire. Choosing to leave the safety of his helicopter, he goes on to assist wounded soldiers on the battlefield, illustrating immense bravery and selflessness.
The Last Helicopter Departure
As the last helicopter prepares to depart, Pitsenbarger faces a daunting choice: to leave with his comrades or remain behind. He ultimately opts to stay, sacrificing his life in a valiant effort to save the men of the 1st Infantry Division, showcasing the ultimate act of heroism.
Thirty-Two Years Later
Fast forward thirty-two years, and we meet Scott Huffman, a dedicated Pentagon staff member. He is unexpectedly tasked with investigating a Medal of Honor request for Pitsenbarger submitted by his parents and a fellow Pararescueman, Tom Tulley, who served alongside him.
Uncovering the Truth
As Huffman delves deeper into Pitsenbarger's story, he uncovers a shocking reality: the Air Force had neglected to nominate brave enlisted personnel for the Medal of Honor for decades. This included Pitsenbarger, whose heroic actions had gone unrecognized since his death.
The Risky Path
Motivated by Pitsenbarger’s extraordinary courage, Huffman decides to pursue this important narrative despite potential career risks. He contemplates the impact of his actions on his relationship with a U.S. senator, whose reelection efforts could be jeopardized by the exposure.
Political Disputes
The Senate's refusal to approve Pitsenbarger's medal becomes entangled in unrelated political disputes. Faced with these complications, Huffman finds himself at a crossroads, having to choose between career safety and revealing the truth about Pitsenbarger's heroism.
Going Public
Determined to honor Pitsenbarger’s legacy, Huffman makes the brave decision to share the story of his valor with the public. His revelations create waves of interest and support, bringing the attention that had been long overdue for the fallen hero.
Awarding the Medal
Through a presidential decree, Pitsenbarger is posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. This moment serves as a testament to his bravery and the crucial need to recognize those who have sacrificed for their country, even years after the fact.
A Heartfelt Letter
In a poignant pre-ceremony moment, Ray Mott finds the strength to deliver Pitsenbarger’s final letter to his former love. This act adds a deeply personal touch to the overall narrative of sacrifice and love intertwined in the story.
The Ceremony
During the Medal of Honor ceremony, Pitsenbarger’s parents stand alongside soldiers whose lives were forever changed by their son’s selfless acts. The emotional setting highlights the impact of his bravery and the legacy he left behind.
Parents' Heartbreak
As the ceremony progresses, Pitsenbarger’s parents, who are battling their own losses dealing with terminal cancer, reflect on the immense pride and sorrow experienced. Their journey underscores the ongoing pain entwined with the honor being bestowed.
Official Presentation
In a powerful moment, the Air Force Secretary presents the Medal of Honor to Pitsenbarger’s parents. This recognition not only honors Pitsenbarger’s sacrifice but also addresses the broader theme of acknowledging the service of enlisted personnel.
A Somber Reflection
As of 2019, only three enlisted Airmen have received the Medal of Honor among millions of U.S. military personnel. This statistic brings a somber reflection to the narrative, emphasizing the significance of Pitsenbarger’s bravery and the importance of recognizing all heroes.
Characters
William H. Pitsenbarger
William H. Pitsenbarger, a courageous U.S. Air Force Pararescueman, epitomizes heroism through his ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War. Known affectionately as 'Pits,' he defies orders to save fellow soldiers, showcasing remarkable bravery under fire. His character acts as a cornerstone for the narrative, representing the countless unsung heroes of military history.
Scott Huffman
Scott Huffman is a dedicated Pentagon staff member who becomes intertwined with Pitsenbarger's legacy while investigating a Medal of Honor request. Initially skeptical, Huffman's character develops moral courage and determination to unveil the truth despite potential personal consequences. His growth represents a journey of understanding and honor amidst political challenges.
Ray Mott
Ray Mott, a fellow Pararescueman, serves as a connecting figure to Pitsenbarger’s sacrifice and provides emotional depth to the narrative. His character reflects the personal impacts of loss and remembrance, rallying support for the honor due to Pitsenbarger. Mott's emotional journey highlights the bond shared among those who serve.
Setting
Time period
Vietnam War, 1966, 1998
The story unfolds during the Vietnam War, particularly highlighting the events of April 11, 1966, which marked Pitsenbarger's heroic actions. The narrative then shifts to 1998, thirty-two years later, as efforts are made to honor this bravery amidst political complexities. This juxtaposition underscores the long-lasting impact of war and the delayed recognition of heroism.
Location
Vietnam, Pentagon
The movie primarily takes place in Vietnam during the tumultuous years of the Vietnam War and at the Pentagon, a symbol of U.S. military power and decision-making. Vietnam, known for its complex history and rich culture, was the battleground for many brave men and women, including William H. Pitsenbarger. The Pentagon serves as a stark contrast, representing the bureaucratic and political challenges faced by those seeking recognition for acts of valor.
Themes
🎖️
Heroism
The film centralizes the theme of heroism, exemplified by William H. Pitsenbarger's selfless decisions during combat. His actions symbolize the ultimate sacrifice for comrades in arms, showcasing acts of bravery amidst dire circumstances. This theme is reinforced through the investigation of his legacy, exploring the challenges of gaining recognition in a political landscape.
⚖️
Justice
The quest for justice is a pivotal theme as Scott Huffman navigates the convoluted bureaucratic processes to honor Pitsenbarger posthumously. The film reflects on the injustices faced by many soldiers whose valor went unrecognized due to systemic failures. Huffman's determination to rectify this oversight emphasizes the importance of acknowledging sacrifice and courage.
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