Family of Major Bernard Fisher Visits His Douglas A-1E Skyraider at NMUSAF

Family members of Medal of Honor recipient Bernard Fisher, visited the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force on June 8, 2022. This interview is with one of his sons, Steve Fisher.
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

[@xzqzq]

A visit to the AF Museum at Dayton Ohio should be on everyone's' bucket list....allow several days....

[@terencenelson4472]

Salute. Colonel Fisher was my Ops Officer in the 87th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (F-106) at Duluth IAP, MN. We really honored Col Fisher (then Lt Col) and enjoyed working for and flying with him. When he was promoted and assigned to the ANG Active Duty Adviser to the fighter squadron at Boise, I performed a very low, high speed (500+ Knots) flyover of the fighter ramp. Response from the Guard: Thank you. Those were much better days.

[@williammarshall1900]

I remember Col Fisher @ Duluth in the winter of 1971. He flew my assigned aircraft # 59-101 once. A great XO

[@goratgo1970]

My fond memory of the - 6 is similar, that when we were pulling into Fresno about 1982, one screamed over our car just over the houses, then went 90 deg. straight up - never forget it!

[@Chilly_Billy]

What a fantastic moment for the family. I guarantee his son had chills as he climbed the wing into the cockpit.

[@jimcooper2625]

Amazing ! Thanks for sharing your Dads heroism …from an old KC-135 Crew Chief

[@trob0914]

"We have come here to the East Room this morning to honor Maj. Bernard F. Fisher of the United States Air Force. He is the first Air Force officer to win the Medal of Honor in Vietnam!"( January 1967, L. B. Johnson, POTUS) Thank you both for your service, Sirs Fisher! Excellent, sturdy airframe, amazing story!!🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@darkmoone9984]

Sky raiders were the ones before the A-10s in ground support role. There ability to hang around is amazing. Awesome to have the pilot there. Great interview.

[@markxfarmer6830]

Shared a military hospital surgical ward with Col. Fisher back in the 80s. He was gracious and kind and as we shared a love of military aircraft, he related quite a few stories and experiences to me and a few other patients. He didn’t have to do that but I’ll always appreciate that he did.

[@thewatcher5271]

What A Great Story, Man! Must Be Surreal To Sit In The Same Seat. I Thought It Was A Navy Plane & Didn't Know It Was A Two-Seater. Thank You.

[@kennethhummel4409]

How do you comment on a MOH recipient or the machine that he supposedly did the impossible in the a shau (happy) valley.

[@terryboyer1342]

kenneth hummel Just snap off a crisp salute!

[@glupy8293]

I live near Colonel Fisher's home in Kuna, Idaho. He was indeed a farmer. We named the Kuna City Park after him too. RIP Colonel!

[@timnichols8880]

I had the privilege of flying several times with him in his later years. I also got a great glimpse into the kind of man he was, outside the cockpit. He was a tremendous man in every way!

[@williamricketts5985]

Amazing that his family can come and visit this plane. That's what I love about this museum is the fact that these items are here and they will continue to be so for generations to come. Amazing story thanks for sharing!!

[@dale5898]

Hand Salute To You. What a family. Ten thousand thumbs up!

[@madmike5621]

I remember when I was young, my Dad had been awarded an Air Medal. We were visiting family and he was talking about it but downplaying his medal the whole time. I didn't understand why, I thought it was the coolest thing ever! He said what he did was a good thing. But what "this pilot" did was incredibly brave. I've read the story multiple times after that and agree with my Dad. Incredibly brave!

[@longtimepittsowner5589]

When I first learned to fly I desperately wanted to fly aerobatics. I did not know why; 40 years later I know why but respect flying a lot more.

[@stevendorris5713]

Awesome! Thank you...

[@1fullbird]

In the Mid 70s I met a man in my hometown who had just retired from the AF and was a crew chief on this aircraft. I could see he was reliving his experiences when describing the damage. Particularly the significant number of bullet holes to the aft fuselage and tail section of the aircraft. Said the tail was shot all the hell, couldn't believe it was still flyable.

[@spaddriver1957]

My father was one of those wingmen that was trying to cut off heads covering mitchell. He recieved the Air Medal for that action. But he never bragged about it. He went on to become Pan Am's last senior pilot after leaving the air force. The spad was his work horse during his time in country. He had a great deal of respect for the bird.

[@kiwifruit27]

Fascinating story, thanks for sharing it

[@aaaht3810]

A true hero. I've heard this story many times but did not know the aircraft was preserved.

[@LINJ638]

What an honor!!!! Great story!!!!!

[@johnlienhard7046]

I was one of mechanic in Ben Hoa in 1966 on the A1E , 602 Fighter Squadron until 1967

[@tomdemerly]

This is excellent. These stories are so critical to the preservation of history. Thank you for sharing.

[@USAFmuseum]

Thanks so much for viewing and leaving a comment!!!

[@billycramer4829]

@@USAFmuseum awsome!!

[@kennowosatka4450]

Major Fischer and family were at Hahn AB (496th FIS) when we were there (66-69). I think he was an F-102 pilot (my dad was an avionics tech). Remember hearing the MOH story, some of the older kids went to the same school on base as I did.

[@raymondvia3786]

The A2D Skyshark was supposed to replace the A1, but the project was cancelled.

[@davidwilkinson1613]

The next time I visit the museum I’ll be looking for this plane. I’ll be spending some time with it just thinking…

[@litho1941]

I was in nam in 68 and have a picture of the majors plane at cam rahn

[@Hoopaball]

Best piston plane that isn't a PBY.

[@raymondvia3786]

The A1 was one of the actual aircraft ( not told in the movie Bridges at Toko RI) that helped take out an actual bridge flown by pilots from the carrier USS Oriskany in 1952 I think. It's too bad the Navy dumped it a wee bit too early. Neil Armstrong flew an AD1 as it was known by the USN and USMC. It would've been awesome for it to be given a turboprop upgrade.

[@stevenlangdon-griffiths293]

They were out of ammo, but they still staffed anyway, thinking, well if anyone stuck their heads up we’d have took it off with the prop. This is why AMERICA was great and will be great again one day.

[@CSltz]

Flying Uber Vietnam style.

[@edwarddabal3587]

when men where men....