MHAFB remembers AF Medal of Honor recipient retired Col. Bernard 'Bernie' Fisher

by Staff Reports
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

8/19/2014 - MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- The 366th Fighter Wing mourns the loss of a fellow Airman, longtime Idaho resident and true American hero. Air Force Medal of Honor recipient retired Col. Bernard Fisher passed away Aug. 16.

In 1967, then Maj. Fisher became the first living Air Force Medal of Honor winner when he was presented the medal at a White House Ceremony by then President Lyndon B. Johnson. He was presented the medal for risking his own life above and beyond the call of duty to save a fellow pilot who had been shot down at A Shau Air Base during the battle of A Shau Valley, March 10, 1966.

"We pause to remember the life and legacy of an American Hero," said Col. David Iverson, 366th Fighter Wing commander. "Bernie's life is an inspiration to those who met him and to all Airmen who will continue to hear his story. The men and women of Mountain Home Air Force Base were blessed to have a special relationship with Col. Fisher. He visited and mentored Airmen on numerous occasions, sharing his philosophy and leadership advice. We are truly honored to have had him as part of the Gunfighter family and our heritage. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Fisher family during this time."

Fisher, who was born in San Bernadino, Calif., on January 11, 1927, grew up in Clearfield, Utah, and first called Kuna, Idaho, home after his discharge from the U.S. Navy V-6 program in 1946. Fisher attended Boise Junior College from 1947 to 1949 and then transferred to the University of Utah where he participated in the Reserve Officer Training Corps and would receive his commission.

His first operational assignment was with the 42nd Fighter Interceptor Squadron (later re-designated the 63rd FIS), out of O'Hare Field, Chicago, flying F-86D Saberjets.

In December 1955, Fisher was assigned to Chitose Air Base, Japan, where he flew with the 339th FIS. After completion of Interceptor Controller School in 1958, he was assigned to the 801st Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, Malmstrom AFB, Montana, as a Weapons Controller. In February 1961, he was reassigned to the 29th FIS where he flew F-101B Voodoos.

In May 1963, Fisher was assigned to the 319th FIS, Homestead AFB, Florida, where he flew the F-104 Starfighter. It was during this assignment that he volunteered for duty in Vietnam to fly the A-1E Skyraider.

Fisher arrived in Vietnam in July 1965. While assigned to the 1st Air Commando Squadron at Pleiku, South Vietnam, he received nationwide publicity for his actions during the battle of A Shau Valley in which he rescued a downed pilot by landing his A-1E Skyraider on a shrapnel-ridden runway and under heavy ground fire.

In 1968, Fisher was transferred to Bitburg Air Base, Germany, and subsequently assumed command of the 525th FIS. Later he became the Operations Officer of the 87th FIS in Duluth, Minn.

Fisher arrived at the 124th Fighter Interceptor Group (ANG), in Boise in July 1971 and retired from this assignment July 30, 1974, making Kuna his permanent home.

Funeral services will be held Monday, Aug. 25 at 10 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints East Stake Center, 8625 South Linder Road, in Kuna. Viewings will be Sunday, Aug. 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Monday, Aug. 25 from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at the same location. Internment for Fisher, 87, will be held Monday, Aug. 25 at 1 p.m. during a final resting service at Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise.