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The Great, Constantly Changing Picture Gallery, Troisième partie: la vengeance!

HeyJoe

HeyJoe

Fly Navy! ...or USMC
None
Super Moderator
Contributor
Then there was an Air Force Skyraider pilot who landed on a strip that had been overrun by very hostile North Vietnamese trying to capture his wingman. He was able to land and rescue the stranded aviator earning him a Medal of Honor. MAJ Bernard Fisher was his name and he flew the Skyraider in USAF service. 26803


Medal of Honor Citation
Fisher's official Medal of Honor 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
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ChuckMK23

ChuckMK23

FERS and TSP contributor!
pilot
HeyJoe said:
It’s VERY accurate! The Navy was transitioning out of the A-1 Skyraider as Vietnam conflict heated up so it was replaced by A-6 Intruder. However, the USAF needed escorts for the Jolly Green Giant rescue helos and took the former Navy Skyraiders and created the “Sandy” that flew deep into North Vietnam as well as Laos and other I acknowledged areas chronicled in this excellent book: My Secret War Richard Drury

View attachment 26802
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jmcquate

jmcquate

Well-Known Member
Contributor
HeyJoe said:
Then there was an Air Force Skyraider pilot who landed on a strip that had been overrun by very hostile North Vietnamese trying to capture his wingman. He was able to land and rescue the stranded aviator earning him a Medal of Honor. MAJ Bernard Fisher was his name and he flew the Skyraider in USAF service. View attachment 26803


Medal of Honor Citation
Fisher's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
Click to expand...
His SPAD is at the Air Force Museum at Wright Pat.
 
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