Bernard Francis Fisher

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Bernard Francis Fisher
Born January 11, 1927 (1927-01-11) (age 81)

Nickname Bernie
Place of birth San Bernardino, California
Allegiance Flag of the United States United States of America
Service/branch Flag of the United States Air Force United States Air Force
Years of service 1951–1974
Rank Colonel
Unit 1st Air Commando Squadron
Battles/wars Vietnam War
Awards Medal of Honor
Silver Star
Bronze Star
Air Medal

Col. Bernard F. Fisher, ret. (pronounced Bernerd) (born 1927) is the first living US Air Force recipient of the Medal of Honor. Moreover, he was the first USAF member to receive the medal as a result of an act of heroism during the Vietnam War without being killed in action.

Contents

[edit] Biography

Born in 1927 in San Bernardino, California was raised and educated in Utah, calling Clearfield Utah home. Fisher served briefly in the Navy at the end of World War II and then enrolled at Boise State Junior College in 1947 before transferring to the University of Utah in Salt Lake City in 1949. During the period from 1947 to 1950, Fisher was a member of the Air National Guard. Fisher was an undergraduate student at the University of Utah from 1949 to 1951. However, before Fisher was able to complete his undergraduate degree at the U, he was commissioned into the Air Force in 1951. After pilot training, Bernie Fisher served as a jet fighter pilot in the Air Defense Command until 1965 when he volunteered for duty in Vietnam. From July 1965 through June 1966, he flew 200 combat sorties in the A-1E/H "Spad" as a member of the 1st Air Commando Squadron located at Pleiku Air Base, South Vietnam.

Majors Fisher and Myers after the rescue (USAF Photo)
Majors Fisher and Myers after the rescue (USAF Photo)

On March 10, 1966, he led a two-ship of Skyraiders to the A Shau Valley in support of friendly troops in contact with the enemy. A total of six "Spads" were striking numerous emplacements when the A-1 piloted by Major D. W. "Jump" Myers was hit and forced to crash-land on the airstrip of the CIDG-Special Forces camp. Myers bellied in on the 2,500-foot runway and took cover behind an embankment on the edge of the strip while Major Fisher directed the rescue effort. Since the closest helicopter was 30 minutes away and the enemy was only 200 yards from Myers, Fisher quickly decided to land his two-seat A-1E on the strip and pick up his friend. Under the cover provided by the other A-1s, he landed in the valley, taxied to Myer's position, and loaded the downed airman into the empty seat. Dodging shell holes and debris on the steel planked runway, Major Fisher took off safely despite many hits on his aircraft by small arms fire.

It is noteworthy that Maj. Fisher earned a Silver Star the day before while flying support for the same battle.[1]

Major Fisher returned to the United States, and, on January 19, 1967, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Major Bernie Fisher returned to the Air Defense Command and jet interceptors until he retired to his hometown of Kuna, Idaho, where he lived with his wife Realla. Realla passed away on April 27, 2008. He is a member of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[2]

Colonel Bernard Fisher Veteran's Memorial Park, in Kuna, ID, as well as the Bernard Fisher Highway, a portion of State Highway 193 that passes near Hill Air Force Base, UT, were named after Bernie. Also, the Bernard F. Fisher Room, located at the 353d Special Operations Group at Kadena Air Base, Japan, is named in his honor. This room displays military memorabillia for special operations. In 1999, a Military Sealift vessel, the MV Maj Bernard F Fisher (T-AK 396) was named for him.

The A-1 Skyraider that Major Fisher flew into the A Shau Valley was saved and restored and is on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

Colonel Fisher's son, Steven is also a pilot in the USAF. He holds the rank of Major, and flies the KC-135.

In 1985 and again in 2005, Fisher was inducted into the Gathering of Eagles program and told the story of the rescue during the Battle of A Shau to groups of young military officers.[3]

On 3 May 2008, Colonel Fisher received his diploma from the University of Utah 57 years after attending classes at the U as a student. Representing the University of Utah and acting on behalf of university president, Michael K. Young, was the dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Science, J. Steven Ott. Colonel Fisher was officially recognized for his past academic achievements and a decorated military career. [4]

Col Fisher Accepts Detachment 850 Distinguished Alumnus Award (U.S. Air Force Photo)

[edit] Medal of Honor citation

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.

[edit] See also

United States Navy Portal

[edit] References

  1. ^ 1
  2. ^ Famous Mormons in the Military
  3. ^ Fisher Gathering of Eagles 2005 Biography Retrieved June 3, 2008.
  4. ^ Medal of Honor recipient receives diplomaRetrieved May 8, 2008

[edit] Further reading

  • Fisher, Bernard. Beyond the Call of Duty: The Story of an American Hero. Shadow Mountain. February 1, 2004

[edit] External links