The Last Full Measure 2019

The Last Full Measure tells the compelling true story of William H. Pitsenbarger, a brave U.S. Air Force Pararescueman who is credited with saving the lives of over 60 men during the Vietnam War. On April 11, 1966, during a perilous rescue mission, Pits (as he was commonly known) made the heroic decision to leave the safety of his helicopter to assist wounded soldiers, even when fellow team members chose to remain behind. Despite being ordered to evacuate on the last helicopter, he selflessly chose to stay behind, ultimately sacrificing his life to protect and save soldiers from the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division.

Fast forward 32 years, and we meet Scott Huffman, portrayed by Sebastian Stan, a Pentagon staffer who is on a rapid career ascent. Huffman finds himself reluctantly assigned to investigate a posthumous Medal of Honor request from Pitsenbarger’s parents and Tom Tulley, played by William Hurt, who was Pitsenbarger’s partner during that fateful mission. As Scott embarks on this journey, he interviews several Army veterans, including Takoda, played by Samuel L. Jackson, as well as Burr and Mott, who each carry their own haunting memories connected to that day.

As Scott digs deeper into Pitsenbarger’s story of extraordinary bravery, he unravels a troubling conspiracy. It turns out that, since Pitsenbarger’s death in 1966, the Air Force had consistently failed to submit names of enlisted personnel for the Medal of Honor. This revelation puts Scott at a crossroads as he risks his own career, being mindful that the commanding officer responsible for that dangerous mission is now a senator running for reelection.

When a Senate proposal to award the medal falls short due to political disputes, Huffman takes a bold step and goes public with the story, which ultimately leads to President awarding the Medal of Honor to Pitsenbarger by decree. In a poignant moment before the award ceremony, Ray Mott, portrayed by Ed Harris, finally gathers the strength to deliver Pitsenbarger’s last letter to the airman’s former love. Attending the ceremony are Pitsenbarger’s parents, with his father, who is battling cancer, and mother present as they listen to the recounting of their son’s duty, valor, and sacrifice. As the Secretary of the Air Force presents the medal to the parents, he acknowledges everyone gathered, stating, “This is the power of what one person can do.”

The film concludes with an epilogue noting that as of 2019, among a staggering 3,489 Medal of Honor recipients from millions of U.S. military personnel, only three have been enlisted Air Force airmen, underscoring the profound legacy of Pitsenbarger’s heroism.