Posted on 09/03/2014 7:47:56 AM PDT by Borges
Col. Bernard F. Fisher, who received the first Medal of Honor awarded to an aviator during the Vietnam War for a daring rescue of another pilot in the face of enemy fire on an airstrip, died on Aug. 16 in Boise, Idaho. He was 87.
His son Bradford confirmed the death.
Colonel Fisher held the rank of major on March 10, 1966, when, despite the warnings of fellow pilots and radio controllers, he landed on an embattled airstrip where another flier had crashed, taxied under heavy fire to find him, and got his comrade and himself out alive.
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
Sorry for my post #20. I was thinking of a different action.
Lt. Col. Joe Jackson of the 311th squadron earned the Congressional Medal of Honor on 12 May 1968 during the evacuation of Kham Duc. There is a photo of his C-123 on the ground as he rescued a combat control team — it is the only photo of a Medal of Honor action as it was happening.
Thank you. I remember reading about this in the news back then.
RIP, Colonel.
Now that is something I didn’t know. Thanks. I just listened to Toby Hughes song entitled, “Bernie Fisher” on his album called “Fast and Low” again after many times. If anyone has an interest in air power songs from Vietnam this album is exceptional. Not to take anything away from Chip Dockery or Dick Jonas.
And another YouTube I saw when looking for the above:
Is your computer stuck on FR?
Major Bernard F. Fisher’s Medal of Honor Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. On that date, the Special Forces camp at A Shau was under attack by 2,000 North Vietnamese Army regulars. Hostile troops had positioned themselves between the airstrip and the camp. Other hostile troops had surrounded the camp and were continuously raking it with automatic weapons fire from the surrounding hills. The tops of the 1,500-foot hills were obscured by an 800 foot ceiling, limiting aircraft maneuverability and forcing pilots to operate within range of hostile gun positions, which often were able to fire down on the attacking aircraft. During the battle, Maj. Fisher observed a fellow airman crash land on the battle-torn airstrip. In the belief that the downed pilot was seriously injured and in imminent danger of capture, Maj. Fisher announced his intention to land on the airstrip to effect a rescue. Although aware of the extreme danger and likely failure of such an attempt, he elected to continue. Directing his own air cover, he landed his aircraft and taxied almost the full length of the runway, which was littered with battle debris and parts of an exploded aircraft. While effecting a successful rescue of the downed pilot, heavy ground fire was observed, with 19 bullets striking his aircraft. In the face of the withering ground fire, he applied power and gained enough speed to lift-off at the overrun of the airstrip. Maj. Fisher’s profound concern for his fellow airman, and at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.
http://www.skyraider.org/skyassn/fisher/fishermoh.htm
Thank you so very much. I had no idea that the song was on YT. Great photos. Toby is really a exceptional song writer and singer. He was also at the 12th TFW at Cam Rahn Bay which is the unit where “What The Captain Means Is” was created.
Your welcome, Portcall24, thanks for mentioning the song in the first place.
That Bernie Fisher - Everyday Hero vid is fantastic. Hard not to get a bit misty when thinking of the amazing courage of Col Fisher and his mates.
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