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"KUNA, Idaho -- In 1966, Bernard Fisher, then an Air Force major and A-1E Skyraider pilot, heroically risked life and limb to rescue a fellow pilot who had crash-landed on an airstrip surrounded by enemy forces.

For his gallantry, Fisher was awarded the nation's highest military honor - the Medal of Honor, becoming the first member of the Air Force to receive the award in Vietnam.

Col. Fisher died Saturday at the age of 87 at the Idaho Veterans Home in Boise."


I've had the honor of meeting him at the annual Memorial Day ceremonies at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery. He hadn't been there for the last few as I imagine declining health prevented him from attending.

http://www.ktvb.com/story/news/local/20 ... /14218951/

Fisher was the first MoH citation I ever read.

FISHER, BERNARD FRANCIS

Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Air Force, 1st Air Commandos. Place and date: Bien Hoa and Pleiku, Vietnam, 10 March 1966. Entered service at: Kuna, Idaho. Born: 11 January 1927, San Bernardino, Calif.

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

A life well lived I'm sure. RIP and a farwell salute. The citation says it all, he went "above and beyond" on that day in Vietnam.

RIP Sir!

I've had the honor of supporting the IT Infrastructure onboard the Military Sealift Command ship named in your honor.