The Daring Rescue at A Shau Valley: Bernard Fisher's Medal of Honor Mission

On March 10, 1966, Bernard Francis Fisher led a two-ship element of Skyraiders into the A Shau Valley to support troops engaged in heavy fighting. As six "Spads" struck enemy positions, Major Dafford Wayne "Jump" Myers (1919–1992) was hit and forced to crash-land his A-1 on the airstrip of a CIDG-Special Forces camp. Myers managed to belly land on the 2,500-foot runway and sought cover behind an embankment at the edge of the strip while Fisher coordinated the rescue effort. With the nearest helicopter 30 minutes away and the enemy just 200 yards (180 m) from Myers, Fisher made the quick decision to land his two-seat A-1E on the strip and rescue his friend. Under cover from the other Skyraiders, Fisher landed in the valley, taxied to Myers’ location, and helped him into the empty seat. Despite the runway being riddled with shell holes and debris and coming under small-arms fire, Fisher successfully took off, though his aircraft sustained multiple hits.

The A Shau rescue bore striking similarities to a World War II event on August 4, 1944. On that day, Captain Richard "Dick" Willsie's (1920–2013) P-38 was damaged by flak near Ploieşti, Romania. After crash-landing due to engine failure, Willsie was rescued when Flight Officer Richard "Dick" Andrews (1924–2007) landed his P-38, squeezed Willsie into the cockpit, and flew them both to safety. Coincidentally, both Willsie and Andrews played roles in the A Shau rescue—Willsie was the commanding officer of the 602nd Air Commando Squadron, to which Myers belonged, and Andrews flew top cover throughout the operation.

Fisher had already earned a Silver Star the previous day for his role in supporting the same battle. Upon returning to the U.S., for his act of bravery, Fisher was recognized with the highest military honor—the Medal of Honor. On January 19, 1967, Fisher returned to the United States and was presented the award by President Lyndon B. Johnson in a ceremony at the White House. Fisher became the first member of the U.S. Air Force to receive the Medal of Honor for actions taken during the Vietnam War. His courage, quick thinking, and selflessness were highlighted as examples of the highest ideals of military service.

The Medal of Honor citation specifically acknowledged Fisher’s "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty." His actions saved the life of a fellow airman and exemplified the kind of heroism that inspired others throughout the Vietnam War and beyond.