Olinto M. Barsanti

Olinto M. Barsanti
Born(1917-11-11)November 11, 1917
Nevada, US
DiedMay 2, 1973(1973-05-02) (aged 55)
Place of burial
Service / branchUnited States Army
Years of service1938–1971
RankMajor General
Commands101st Airborne Division
9th Infantry Regiment
Battles / warsWorld War II
Korean War
Cold War
Vietnam War
AwardsArmy Distinguished Service Cross
Army Distinguished Service Medal
Silver Star (5)
Legion of Merit (2)
Bronze Star Medal (8) with "V"
Air Medal (7) with "V"
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 to 1968, commanding during the Tet Offensive and during subsequent operations around Bien Hoa and Huế. He commanded the 3rd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division during World War II (in Normandy, Brittany, and Belgium). He served in the Korean War from the beginning of the conflict in July 1950 until August 1951. During his tour in Korea his assignments included staff officer with X Corps and commander of the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. 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, 7 Air Medals, 7 Purple Hearts, and the French Croix de guerre (WWII) with bronze palm.

Barsanti died of stomach cancer in 1973. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.[1]