Olinto M. Barsanti

Olinto M. Barsanti
Born	(1917-11-11)November 11, 1917 Nevada, US
Died	May 2, 1973(1973-05-02) (aged 55)
Place of burial	Arlington National Cemetery
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1938–1971
Rank	Major General
Commands held	101st Airborne Division 9th Infantry Regiment
Battles/wars	World War II Korean War Cold War Vietnam War
Awards	Army 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 cancer in 1973. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.^[1]