Bernard Francis Fisher-Boise, ID
Posted by: Groundspeak Regular Member Don.Morfe
N 43° 41.826 W 116° 18.162
11T E 556189 N 4838467
Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient for action at Bien Hoa and Pleiku, Vietnam on March 10, 1966. He is buried in Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, Boise, ID in Section 12, Row 1, Site 142.
Waymark Code: WM11640
Location: Idaho, United States
Date Posted: 08/22/2019
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member NW_history_buff
Views: 5

He was born on January 10, 1927 in San Bernardino, CA and died on August 16, 2014 in Boise, ID. He attained the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Air Force. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: BERNARD FRANCIS FISHER
Rank: Major
Organization: U.S. Air Force
Company:
Division: 1st Air Commandos
Born: 11 January 1927, San Bernardino, Calif.
Departed: Yes (08/16/2014)
Entered Service At: Kuna, Idaho
G.O. Number:
Date of Issue: 01/19/1967
Accredited To: Kuna, ID
Place / Date: Bien Hoa and Pleiku, Vietnam, 10 March 1966

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.

Photo taken by Gayle Alvarez and posted on findagrave.

*SPECIAL EXCEPTION WAYMARK* This category made the decision to approve this waymark based on the research and partnerships between the submitter, Don.Morfe, and individuals who gave permission for their photos of Medal of Honor resting places to be used in this community. Although the vision and philosophy of the Waymarking body is to promote in-person visits and photo documentation, special circumstances can be made on a case-by-case basis such as this submission. We appreciate the fact that Don.Morfe spent over 20 years visiting more than 2,900 Medal of Honor resting places and has documented them in this category with personal photos the past 18 months. He recently took it upon himself to document many more Medal of Honor resting places around the world that he could not visit in person. He reached out to individuals on FindaGrave.com and elsewhere and received permission to use their photos, created write-ups and submitted them here for approval. A compromise was made to allow his submissions here in order to gain a sense of appreciation to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Thank you, Don, for your tireless efforts and contributions to this category and to the Waymarking community!

Armed Service: Air Force

Visit Instructions:
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