Today in Medal of Honor history: Bernard F. Fisher

070101-F-0000M-006 44 years ago, the US was evacuating personnel from a special operations camp in the Battle of A Shau. As Major Bernard F. Fisher and other pilots from the 1st Air Commando Squadron were attacking targets in support of the withdrawal, a A1-E Skyraider flown by Maj. Dafford “Jump” Myers was hit by enemy fire, forcing Myers to crash-land on the base’s airstrip. Fisher landed his plane and rescued Myers before the 2,000-strong enemy force could capture or kill him. The Skyraider flown by Fisher was restored and is now on display at the Air Force Museum, which I highly recommend everyone take a few days to visit.

Fisher’s actions made him the Air Force’s first Medal of Honor recipient (the Air Force was formed in 1947). His citation can be viewed here.

Interestingly enough, a similar event took place during World War II: when flying over Romania, flak damaged Capt. Richard “Dick” Willsie’s P-38 Lighting and forced the pilot to crash land. But before enemy soldiers could capture the pilot, Flight Officer Dick Andrews landed his Lightning and rescued Willsie. Remarkably, both Willsie and Andrews were involved in the A Shau rescue.

Posted on March 10, 2010 at 00:30 by Chris Carter · Permalink · Leave a comment
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Bernard F. Fisher Medal of Honor citation

The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to

MAJOR

BERNARD FRANCIS FISHER

AIR FORCE

For service as set forth in the following:

CITATION:

For The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Major Bernard Francis Fisher, United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Pilot with the 1st Air Commando Squadron, 14th Air Commando Wing, in action near Bien Hoa and Pleiku, Republic of Vietnam. On 10 March 1966, 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, Major 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, Major 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. Major 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.

Born: 11 Jan. 1927,  San Bernardino, Calif…. Served in the Navy during World War II… Awarded Silver Star the day prior to his Medal of Honor actions… Also awarded Bronze Star, Air Medal… Retired as Colonel in 1974… Namesake of MV Maj. Bernard F. Fisher (T-AK-4396)