Bernie Fisher
The Vietnam War
Then United States Air Force Major Bernie Fisher is a legendary example of self sacrifice to save others in the face of near certain death. After serving with the Idaho Air National Guard while attending college, he won his Air Force Pilot Wings and flew air defense fighters until he volunteered for combat duty in Vietnam, a war which was growing unpopular and would greatly divide our nation in the years ahead.
During a battle, Major Fisher observed his fellow A-1 pilot crash land on the battle-torn airstrip. Believing that the downed pilot was seriously injured and in imminent danger of capture from enemy soldiers who were only 200 yards away from him, Major Fisher elected to land on the battle strewn runway amidst heavy enemy fire and rescue his friend.
Our Nation’s highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, was awarded to Major Fisher for this daring rescue, was presented to him by President Lyndon B. Johnson at the White House January 19, 1967. He was the first Air Force member to receive the medal in the Vietnam War.
