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Bernard Francis “Bernie” Fisher

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Bernard Francis “Bernie” Fisher Veteran Famous memorial

Birth
San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, California, USA
Death
16 Aug 2014 (aged 87)
Boise, Ada County, Idaho, USA
Burial
Boise, Ada County, Idaho, USA GPS-Latitude: 43.6971016, Longitude: -116.3026962
Plot
Section 12-1-142
Memorial ID
View Source
Medal of Honor Recipient, Vietnam War. He was the first United States Air Force recipient of the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War. He was commissioned in 1951 and served until 1966 as a jet fighter pilot. In 1965, he volunteered for duty in Vietnam and flew more than 200 combat sorties in the A-1E/H Skyraider as a Major and member of the 1st Air Commando Squadron located at Pleiku Air Base, Vietnam. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery on March 10, 1966 at Bien Hoa and Pleiku. His citation reads "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". He was awarded his Medal on January 19, 1967 by President Lyndon Baines Johnson. Following his tour in Vietnam he returned to flying interceptors for Air Defense Command until his retirement.
Medal of Honor Recipient, Vietnam War. He was the first United States Air Force recipient of the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War. He was commissioned in 1951 and served until 1966 as a jet fighter pilot. In 1965, he volunteered for duty in Vietnam and flew more than 200 combat sorties in the A-1E/H Skyraider as a Major and member of the 1st Air Commando Squadron located at Pleiku Air Base, Vietnam. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery on March 10, 1966 at Bien Hoa and Pleiku. His citation reads "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". He was awarded his Medal on January 19, 1967 by President Lyndon Baines Johnson. Following his tour in Vietnam he returned to flying interceptors for Air Defense Command until his retirement.

Bio by: Family Searcher#1


Inscription

MEDAL OF HONOR
COL USAF VN
S1 USN WWII
SS DFG AM
FAITH & VALOR

Gravesite Details

Col should be in title box. Title box should indicate COL as he was retired USAF. Please correct it.



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  • Maintained by: Find a Grave
  • Originally Created by: Family Searcher#1
  • Added: Aug 18, 2014
  • Find a Grave Memorial ID:
  • Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/134545814/bernard_francis-fisher: accessed ), memorial page for Bernard Francis “Bernie” Fisher (10 Jan 1927–16 Aug 2014), Find a Grave Memorial ID 134545814, citing Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, Boise, Ada County, Idaho, USA; Maintained by Find a Grave.