The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
F ISHER, 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
|
