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.
The
President of the United States