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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. |
