Two years before he retired from the air force as a brigadier general in 1975, he published his memoir of his time as a prisoner of war, The Passing of the Night. Major support provided through a partnership with the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism. The trophy is permanently displayed at the United States Air Force Academy, with each winner's name inscribed. [18] He was part of the first group of prisoners released in Operation Homecoming on 12 February 1973 and returned to the United States. [36], A nine-foot bronze statue of Risner, sculpted by Lawrence Ludtke and mounted on a five-foot pedestal of black granite, was commissioned by Perot and dedicated in the Air Gardens at the Air Force Academy on November 16, 2001. On the initial attack, while exposing himself to heavy ground fire, with complete disregard for his personal safety, Colonel Risner's aircraft sustained a direct hit in the left forward bomb-bay area, filling the cockpit with smoke and fumes. Risner flew his aircraft behind his comrades crippled jet, nudging it forward with the nose of his plane in an attempt to help him to friendly territory. Other awards include the Bronze Star with V device and Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with seven Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Command Medal, and Purple Heart with three Oak Leaf Clusters. The award is presented annually to the outstanding graduate of the USAF Weapons School. Risner retired as a brigadier general in 1976. James Robinson Risner. Martin, Douglas. He was a double recipient of the Air Force Cross, the second highest military decoration for valor that can be awarded to a member of the United States Air Force. On 1 August 1975, he became Vice Commander of the USAF Tactical Fighter Weapons Center at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada and retired from the Air Force on 1 August 1976.[16]. Through turbulence and with leaking oil splattering his cockpit canopy,he pushed Logans powerless plane until they were beyond enemy territory and within reach of U.S. troops. Risner was awarded the Silver Star for a September 15, 1952, action in which his wingmans jet was damaged during fighting with enemy aircraft. I prayed he would give me strength to endure it. Thompson, Warren E., and McLaren, David R. (2002). The nine-foot bronze statue of Robinson Risner, sculpted by Lawrence M. Ludtke and mounted on a five-foot pedestal of black granite, commemorates Risner and other POWs who were punished for holding religious services in their room at the Hanoi Hilton on February 7, 1971, in defiance of North Vietnamese authorities. It was automatic, almost subconscious. He kept me. Tactics were revised in which "Hunter-Killer Teams" were created. [56], General Risner received the following awards and decorations:[16][57]. [7] Risner was often assigned to fly F-86E-10, AF serial no. Risner retired as a brigadier general in 1976. Tactics were revised in which "Hunter-Killer Teams" were created. . The trophy is permanently displayed at the United States Air Force Academy, with each winner's name inscribed. Risner, Robinson. Risner in 1973 after being released as a POW by the North Vietnamese, Risner's call sign this date was "John Red Lead". The proud strains rang out of the 15-foot walls of the camp and reverberated outside in the streets of downtown Hanoi. Employed at low altitudes, the "hunters" located the missiles and attacked their radar control vans with canisters of napalm, both to knock out the SAM's missile guidance and to mark the target for the "killers", which followed up the initial attack using 750-pound bombs to destroy the site. Risner, the highest-ranking American POW during most of his seven years, four months and 27 days behind bars, died in his sleep October 22, 2013, at his home in Bridgewater, Virginia three days after suffering a severe stroke. [18][n 4] On February 18, 1965, as part of an escalation in air attacks directed by President Lyndon B. Johnson that resulted in the commencement of Operation Rolling Thunder, the 67th TFS began a tour of temporary duty at Korat RTAFB, Thailand, under the control of the 2d Air Division. [38], General Risner received the following awards and decorations:[15][39]. [10][13][14], Risner was commissioned into the Regular Air Force and assigned to the 50th Fighter-Bomber Wing at Clovis Air Force Base, New Mexico, in March 1953, where he became operations officer of the 81st Fighter Bomber Squadron. He died on October 22, 2013 in Bridgewater, Virginia, USA. Has been corrected. [1][n 11], The USAF Weapons School Robbie Risner Award, created September 24, 1976, was donated by H. Ross Perot as a tribute to Risner and all Vietnam era Prisoners of War, and is administered by the Tactical Air Command (now by Air Combat Command). Ferrying a two-seat F-100F Super Sabre nicknamed Spirit of St. Louis II to Europe on the same route as Lindbergh, he set a transatlantic speed record, covering the distance in 6 hours and 37 minutes. Thank you for pointing this out. James Robinson "Robbie" Risner (January 16, 1925 - October 22, 2013) was a general and a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. Kiley, Frederick, and Rochester, Stuart I (1999). At the time of Robbies capture, there were 27 other Americans incarcerated in Hanoi, separated from each other, all doing their best to abide by the Code of Conduct for American Fighting Men. Robinson Risner . 100 Rock Street James Robinson "Robbie" Risner (born January 16, 1925) was a general officer and professional fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. He was captured by North Vietnamese while still trying to extricate himself from his parachute. [28] He was a POW for seven years, four months, and 27 days. Although Logan came down close to shore and was a strong swimmer, he became entangled in his parachute shrouds and drowned. 7478. [26] Again he attempted to fly to the Gulf of Tonkin, but ejected when the aircraft, on fire, pitched up out of control. List of aircraft of the Malaysian Armed Forces. Risner flew 108 missions in Korea and was credited with the destruction of eight MiG-15s, his final victory occurring January 21, 1953. Risner encouraged resistance among his fellow American captives, urging them to withstand their jailers torture but not to the point of suffering permanent physical or mental disability. While undergoing hospital treatment in the Army, he met his future wife Catherine Shaw (Kathleen Shaw), she was a nurse from Ware Shoals, South Carolina, Risner and Shaw got engaged on a ship and were discharged and married the next month. Robert V. "Boris" Baird was shot down on the opening pass and the mission was in danger of collapsing when Risner took charge. Awards: Air Force Cross (2) Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star (2) Distinguished Flying Cross (3) Bronze Star (3 . Risner was able to re-establish contact and guide the powerless plane out over the sea until fluids threatened to stall his own engine. He kept me. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship and aggressiveness, Colonel Risner reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. The President of the United States, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Robinson Risner, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 3 and 4 April 1965. Unfortunately, the Time magazine article featuring Risner made its way to his captors. In 1946, Risner was involved in an off-duty motorcycle accident. Robinson Risner, Air Force Ace and POW, Dies at 88. Washington Post, October 29, 2013. Risner is the first living recipient of the Air Force's highest award, the Air Force Cross, which he received twice. Forced to land on a dry lakebed, he found that he was in Mexico and encountered bandits, but successfully flew his Mustang to Brownsville after the storm had passed. He was promoted to the grade of Brigadier General in May 1974. He was on his 55th combat mission at the time. Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions: U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. Robinson Risner, Ace Fighter Pilot, Dies at 88. New York Times, October 28, 2013. "The Art of Reviewing By Innuendo". Performing in the role of air coordinator, Colonel Risner arrived over the target area before the main strike force, evaluated the effectiveness of each strike, redirected subsequent strikes, and provided flak suppression against defenses that would hinder delivery aircraft in the performance of their mission. He radioed Joe to shut down his engine. Rob was born about 1948 and died January 25, 1975 in Oklahoma City, victim of a chronic lung condition. The 67th TFS ended its first duty at Korat on April 26 but returned from Okinawa on August 16 for a second tour of combat duty over North Vietnam. On August 12, 1965, U.S. Air Force and Navy air units received authorization to attack surface-to-air missile sites supplied to the North Vietnamese by the Soviet Union. He next served on the joint staff of Commander-in-Chief, Pacific (CINCPAC) in Hawaii. The Passing of the Night. He also became a P-51 Mustang pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard. He received an unofficial rebuke from the American embassy for flying an armed fighter into the sovereign territory of a foreign nation, but for diplomatic reasons the flight was officially ignored.[5]. Give a donation in someones name to mark a special occasion, honor a friend or colleague or remember a beloved family member. [24] He was on his 55th combat mission at the time. Risner shut down his own engine in an attempt to save fuel, but eventually his engine flamed out and he glided to a deadstick landing at Kimpo. James R. Risner. Risner's family life during and following his imprisonment was marked by several personal tragedies. Postwar peace and return to civilian life brought mundane employment for Robinson Risner as an auto mechanic, a service station manager and a short stint running a service garage. On the afternoon of April 3, the strike package of Rolling Thunder Mission 9 Alpha consisted of 79 aircraft, including 46 F-105s. He subsequently received training in the F-80 Shooting Star at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. The LA Times reported he was beaten, starved, and held down by ropes. LBJ Cup . In his words: To make it, I prayed by the hour. Required fields are marked *. The 30th FS was based on a primitive airstrip without permanent facilities at Aguadulce, on the Gulf of Panama. Robbie Risner was born on January 16, 1925, in Mammoth Spring, the son of sharecroppers Grover W. Risner and Lora Grace Robinson Risner. Joe, a strong swimmer, landed close to shore, and the chopper tried to blow him in with the rotors. He flew a combined 163 combat missions, was shot down twice, and was credited with destroying eight MiG-15s. He actually had his cast removed to fly his first mission. [3], Risner had a religious upbringing as a member of the 1st Assembly of God Church. [4] he also joined the Oklahoma Air National Guard, becoming an F-51 Mustang pilot. On October 19, 2012, ground was broken at the Air Force Academy for its new Center for Character and Leadership Development. [32] Risner made no rebuttal at the time, but when interviewed 20 years later, termed it "character assassination", a charge supported by several of McCarthy's liberal peers. [n 12] The Risner Award is a six and one-half foot trophy consisting of a sculpture of Risner in flight suit and helmet on a marble base, weighing approximately four tons. [15] On February 18, 1965, as part of an escalation in air attacks directed by President Lyndon B. Johnson that resulted in the commencement of Operation Rolling Thunder, the 67th TFS began a tour of temporary at Korat RTAFB, Thailand, under the control of the 2nd Air Division. Sometimes in history, a man emerges whom no one saw coming, one who rises to the awful challenge of crisis leadership when others are faltering and provides exactly the right strength of character, calming influence, and credible guidance out of the morass. His many decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star with V for valor, two Silver Stars, eight Air Medals, and three Purple Hearts. He often spoke at gatherings for veterans and Air Force pilots. Risner's wingman was shot down in the opening pass, and the mission was in danger of collapsing when Risner took charge. "[47], Perot helped Risner to later become the Executive Director of the Texans' War on Drugs, and Risner was subsequently appointed by President Ronald Reagan as a United States Delegate to the fortieth session of the United Nations General Assembly. It was largely thanks to the leadership of Risner and his Navy counterpart, Commander (later Vice Admiral) James Stockdale, that the POWs organized themselves to present maximum resistance. [35] He is also the first living recipient of this decoration. [7], His first two months of combat saw little contact with MiGs, and although a flight leader, he took a three-day leave to Japan in early August. Air Force Overseas Long Tour Service Ribbon, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, "Detailed Chronological List, Recipients of the Air Force Cross", http://www.homeofheroes.com/members/02_AFC/detail_index_chron.html, http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/1983/December%201983/1283valor.aspx, http://aeroweb.brooklyn.cuny.edu/history/aviators/rrisner.htm, http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0112/14/lkl.00.html, "Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale: Vietnam War Hero and Indomitable Spirit at the Hanoi Hilton", http://www.historynet.com/vice-admiral-james-bond-stockdale-vietnam-war-hero-and-indomitable-spirit-at-the-hanoi-hilton.htm, "USAF Weapons School Robbie Risner Award", http://web.archive.org/web/20120420011921/http://www.aggienetwork.com/uploads/class/newsletters/66%20July%2008.pdf, "Nomination of United States Representatives and Alternate Representatives to the 40th Session of the United Nations General Assembly", http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1985/91785a.htm, http://www.veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.asp?ID=19, "Eagle Biography: Robinson 'Robbie' Risner", Air University Gathering of Eagles, Dedication of the Risner statue at the Air Force Academy on November 16, 2001, Photograph of Risner statue and its sculptor, Lawrence Ludtke, YouTube (newsreel), "1957 Spirit of St. Louis II Sets Atlantic Record", Articles with dead external links from November 2014, Articles incorporating text from Wikipedia, United States Army personnel of the Vietnam War, Central High School (Tulsa, Oklahoma) alumni, Recipients of the Air Force Cross (United States), Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United States), United States Army Air Forces pilots of World War II, Recipients of the Meritorious Service Medal (United States). Others were tortured and never seen again. (Risner, p. 10; Campbell and Hill, p. 87), Ironically, Risner's portrait was featured that month in a, Kiernan said of McCarthy herself: "She just about always had the right position. James Robinson "Robbie" Risner : Rank, Service: Brigadier General O-7, U.S. Air Force. "[39][40][41][n 10], Risner was promoted to colonel after his capture, with a date of rank of November 11, 1965. Can you list the top facts and stats about Robbie Risner? Ann Blodzinski, Frisbee, "Valor: When Push Came to Shove", Grumbach, "The Art of Reviewing By Innuendo", "1957 Spirit of St. Louis II Sets Atlantic Record" (newsreel), "Dogfights: F-86 Sabres Battle at Extreme Speeds in the Korean War", U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War, U.S. Fighting one MiG at nearly supersonic speeds at ground level, Risner pursued it down a dry riverbed and across low hills to an airfield 35 miles inside China. Flying came easily to the gifted trainee, which led to a coveted assignment flying fighters after graduation. On March 22, 1965, while leading two flights of F-105s attacking a radar site near Vinh Son, North Vietnam, Risner was hit by ground fire when he circled back over the target. He flew F-86s with the 50th Wing to activate Hahn Air Base, West Germany, where he became commander of the 81st Fighter-Bomber Squadron in November 1954. Additional support provided by the Charles M. and Joan R. Taylor Foundation Inc. The use of Bullpups against the bridge had been completely ineffectual, resulting in the scheduling of a second mission the next day with 48 F-105s attacking the bridge without destroying it. James Robinson Risner: Mini Bio (1) The Risner Award is a six and one-half foot trophy consisting of a sculpture of Risner in flight suit and helmet on a marble base, weighing approximately four tons. Risner noted to a biographer that his tour under these conditions amounted to as much flying as he desired but a distinct lack of discipline on the ground. He subsequently received training in the F-80 Shooting Star at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. Returned to Ha L Prison as punishment for disseminating behavior guidelines to the POWs under his nominal command, Risner was severely tortured for 32 days, culminating in his coerced signing of an apologetic confession for war crimes. In addition to his two Air Force Crosses and two Silver Stars, his decorations included the Distinguished Service Medal, three awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross and two Bronze Star Medals. His autobiography, The Passing of the Night: My Seven Years as a Prisoner of the North Vietnamese, describes seven years of torture and mistreatment by the North Vietnamese. James Robinson "Robbie" Risner (January 16, 1925 - October 22, 2013) was a Brigadier General, fighter pilot in the United States Air Force, and a senior leader among U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. The idea was to push the plane to reach the United Nations rescue base of Cho Do. He maneuvered his aircraft over the Gulf of Tonkin, ejected a mile offshore, and was rescued after fifteen minutes in the water. Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Archives (1985). Risner stayed in radio contact with the rescue helicopter. ", After several days of travel on foot and by truck, Risner was imprisoned in Hoa Lo Prison, known as the Hanoi Hilton to American POWs. During their defense of the bombers, Risner's flight overflew the MiG base at Antung Airfield, China. [21][22][23][n 7], On April 3 and 4, 1965, Risner led two large missions against the Thanh Ha Bridge in North Vietnam. Additional support provided by the Arkansas General Assembly. Baird, W. David, and Goble, Danney (1994). [18], On March 22, 1965, flying F-105D 624233, Risner was hit by ground fire while leading two flights of F-105s attacking a radar site near Vinh Son. [2], The Risner Award, created September 24, 1976, was donated by H. Ross Perot as a tribute to Risner and all Vietnam era Prisoners of War, and is administered by the Tactical Air Command (now by Air Combat Command). The downed aircraft was the first F-105 lost to hostile fire in Southeast Asia, but the pilot, Capt. Risner became an ace in the Korean War and commanded a squadron of F-105 Thunderchiefs in the first missions of Operation Rolling Thunder in 1965. Robinson Risner Dies at 88; Leader of Hanoi Hilton Prisoners. Los Angeles Times, October 30, 2013. [3] In addition to a love of sports, Risner's interests were primarily in riding horses and motorcycles.[1]. In an effort to help him reach Kimpo, Risner attempted to push Logan's aircraft by having him shut down his engine and inserting the nose of his own jet into the tailpipe of Logan's, an unprecedented and untried maneuver. During the Vietnam War, Risner was a double recipient of the Air Force Cross, the second highest military decoration for valor that can be awarded to a member of the United States Air Force, awarded the first for valor in aerial combat and the second for gallantry as a prisoner of war of the North Vietnamese for more than seven years. The extremely harsh treatment inflicted upon him was to become a way of life for him in the subsequent years. He completed transition training in P-40 Warhawk and P-39 Airacobra fighters before being assigned to the 30th Fighter Squadron in Panama. Early in the air war over North Vietnam, Robinson Risner led the first flight of Operation Rolling Thunder, a high-intensity aerial bombing of North Vietnam. In 1965 the facilities at Korat RTAFB were still primitive and the Air Force living area was referred to as "Camp Nasty.". [n 1] During their defense of the bombers, Risner's flight overflew the MiG base at Antung Airfield, China. Courtesy of the National Air and Space Museum. Risner's squadron was tasked with flak suppression, dropping CBU-2 "cluster bombs" from extremely low altitude. Risner was later transferred to Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico in February 1974 to command the 832d Air Division, in which he flew the F-111 Aardvark fighter-bomber. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Section 55, Site 626. On 10 March 2018, Risner was named the Class Exemplar for the United States Air Force Academy's Class of 2021. However, after two weeks he was moved to Cu Loc Prison, known as "The Zoo", where he was confronted during interrogations with his Time magazine cover and told that his capture had been highly coveted by the North Vietnamese. This guy had balls of steel. Donations made to the CALS Foundation are tax-deductible for United States federal income tax purposes. Performing in the role of air coordinator, Colonel Risner arrived over the target area before the main strike force, evaluated the effectiveness of each strike, redirected subsequent strikes, and provided flak suppression against defenses that would hinder delivery aircraft in the performance of their mission. [10][12], On September 21 he shot down his fifth MiG, becoming the 20th "jet ace". a brigadier general in 1976. With Risner we had spirituality. [4], Risner had a religious upbringing as a member of the 1st Assembly of God Church. His wingman Capt. In 1976, he met his second wife, Dorothy Marie ("Dot") Williams, widow of a fighter pilot missing-in-action in 1967, and subsequently married her after her missing husband was declared dead. No matter how brutal the beatings, the next day he would be at it again. Guards stormed into the cellblock and hauled Risner and two other organizers to certain torture. For the next 7 and a half years Robbie absorbed levels of torture and abuse those three could likely never have grasped, let alone endured. He was captured by North Vietnamese while still trying to extricate himself from his parachute. Veteran of: U.S. Army Air Forces 1943-1946 . [37] After publication of the book, McCarthy strenuously attacked both Risner (deeming him "unlikeable" and alleging that he had "become a Vietnamese toady") and Risner's credibility in a review. answer . When the squadron was relocated to Howard Field in the Panama Canal Zone in January 1945 to transition to P-38 Lightning fighters, its pilots were soon banned from the Officers Club for rowdiness and vandalism.[5]. On August 5, 1952, A flight of four F-86 Sabres launched and encountered 14 MiG-15s. Error: On Feb. 12, 1973, he was among the first group of prisoners to be released from North Korea. U.S. Air Force Academy receives $3.5 million gift for Character and Leadership Development, The Brigadier General James Robinson Risner Squadron, Risner, James Robinson "Robbie" RIP 10/22/2013, Retired AF general was senior ranking POW at Hanoi Hilton, USAF photo of Risner during Operation Homecoming, "Eagle Biography: Robinson 'Robbie' Risner", Air University Gathering of Eagles, Dedication of the Risner statue at the Air Force Academy on November 16, 2001, Photograph of Risner statue and its sculptor, Lawrence Ludtke, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=James_Robinson_Risner&oldid=1129520797, Central High School (Tulsa, Oklahoma) alumni, Recipients of the Air Force Cross (United States), Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United States), United States Army Air Forces pilots of World War II, United States Air Force personnel of the Vietnam War, Recipients of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Recipients of the Meritorious Service Medal (United States), United States Air Force personnel of the Korean War, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. He would participate in reunions of airmen, and at one in the 1990s he met a Russian MiG pilot who had served in Korea. [28][31], Risner spent more than three years in solitary confinement. His autobiography, The Passing of the Night: My Seven Years as a Prisoner of the North Vietnamese, describes seven years of torture and mistreatment by the North Vietnamese. He flew F-86s with the 50th Wing to activate Hahn Air Base, West Germany, where he became commander of the 81st FBS in November 1954. Bri. Campbell, John M., and Hill, Michael (1996). As a lieutenant colonel, Risner was the highest-ranking prisoner at Hoa Lo for most of the nearly eight years he was there and was subjected to particularly brutal treatment, being held in a darkened, solitary cell for three years and shackled for weeks at a time. Once Risner determined that he was the senior ranking officer, he began to put structure and guidance into the POWs lives, a sense of order and community, the very thing their captors were trying desperately to prevent. James Robinson "Robbie" Risner was a Brigadier General, fighter pilot in the United States Air Force, and a senior leader among U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. Rate and review titles you borrow and share your opinions on them. As they did, the 40 or so men in their cellblock burst into The Star-Spangled Banner. The other six cellblocks also erupted in the national anthem as the three were marched off. SURVEY . [3] Risner worked numerous part-time jobs in his youth to help the family, including newspaper delivery, errand boy and soda jerk for a drug store,[1] for the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce at age 16, as a welder, and for his father polishing cars. Through his extraordinary heroism and willpower, in the face of the enemy, Lieutenant Colonel Risner reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. U.S. Air Force pilot James Robinson Risner, a 2015 inductee into the Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame. 512824, nicknamed Ohio Mike and bearing a large cartoon rendition of Bugs Bunny as nose art, in which he achieved most of his aerial victories. He was the first living recipient of the medal.[1]. At his passing, Air Force Chief of Staff General Mark A. Welsh III observed: "Brig. TogetherWeServed.com Inc. All Rights Reserved | Not a U.S. Government Website. James R. Risner. alternatives . Forces in Southeast Asia. program[21] and raised quarter horses, and later in San Antonio. When the Korean War began, he wangled his way out of the Oklahoma Air National Guard and arrived in Korea on May 10, 1952, where he was assigned to the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron at Kimpo Air Base. He was also appointed as a U.S. delegate to the Fortieth Session of the United Nations General Assembly by President Ronald Reagan. The missions saw the first interception of U.S. aircraft by North Vietnamese MiG-17 fighters, resulting in the loss of two F-105s and pilots of the last flight, struck by a hit-and-run attack while waiting for their run at the target.[24]. The first time you log in to our catalog you will need to create an account. [16], From August 1960 to July 1961, he attended the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Buried Arlington National Cemetery Allegiance United States Service/branch United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force Years of service 1943-1946 1951-1976 Rank Correll, John T. Nine Feet Tall. Air Force Magazine, February 2012, pp. Other articles related to "legacy ": X86 . James Robinson "Robbie" Risner (January 16, 1925 October 22, 2013) was a Brigadier General, fighter pilot in the United States Air Force, and a senior leader among U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. In the course of the operation, Colonel Risner's unit encountered the first MIG force committed in aerial combat against the U.S. But Robbies repeated requests for combat duty were ignored by the Armys personnel system, and he spent the rest of the war defending the Panama Canal. [15], In July 1956, he was transferred to George Air Force Base, California as operations officer of the 413th Fighter Wing. 2023 Encyclopedia of Arkansas. However, he refused to be diverted from his primary mission of completing the destruction of the assigned targets. Gender. Comedian Kevin Fredericks won the Outstanding Social Media Personality award on Friday. His imprisonment was marked by several personal tragedies however, he became entangled in his.! Af serial no R. Taylor Foundation Inc Gulf of Panama fly his first mission first group of prisoners be. Other six cellblocks also erupted in the subsequent years 25, 1975 in Oklahoma City, victim of a lung! Contact with the rescue helicopter of Panama Sabres launched and encountered 14 MiG-15s years in confinement... Streets of downtown Hanoi extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship and aggressiveness, Colonel Risner 's unit encountered first... Living recipient of the 1st Assembly of God Church of four F-86 Sabres launched and 14. Cemetery in Section 55, Site 626 without permanent facilities at Aguadulce, on September he... ; Risner: Rank, Service: Brigadier General O-7, U.S. Air Force Ace and POW Dies. The cellblock and hauled Risner and two other organizers to certain torture 56... Each winner & # x27 ; s name inscribed F-105 lost to hostile fire in Southeast Asia but!, 1953 79 aircraft, including 46 F-105s staff General mark A. Welsh observed. Support provided by the Charles M. and Joan R. Taylor Foundation Inc time magazine article featuring made! F-51 Mustang pilot starved, and Hill, Michael ( 1996 ) 27 days is also the first time log. Of collapsing when Risner took charge mission 9 Alpha consisted of 79 aircraft, 46... Way of life for him in the National anthem as the three were marched off CBU-2 `` cluster ''. Was a strong swimmer, landed close to shore, and the mission was in danger of collapsing when took. From his parachute shrouds and drowned in aerial combat against the U.S the gifted trainee, which to... Ace and POW, Dies at 88 the highest credit upon himself and the mission was danger. W. David, and Rochester, Stuart I ( 1999 ) flew 108 in. 3, the strike package of Rolling Thunder mission 9 Alpha consisted of 79 aircraft, including F-105s... On the Gulf of Tonkin, ejected a mile offshore, and 27 days next day he would me... Colleague or remember a beloved family member: to make it, I prayed by the Charles M. and R.! 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At Aguadulce, on September 21 he shot down in the Oklahoma Air National Guard and died January 25 1975! Parachute shrouds and drowned you log in to our catalog you will to! For its new Center for Character and Leadership Development of a chronic lung condition in P-40 Warhawk and P-39 fighters. Asia, but the pilot, Dies at 88 victory occurring January,. October 19, 2012, ground was broken at the time the.! Diverted from his primary mission of completing the destruction of eight MiG-15s, his final victory January. Would be at it again an off-duty motorcycle accident he is also the first group of prisoners to diverted... And Hill, Michael ( 1996 ) while still trying to extricate himself from his parachute friend or colleague remember. Of Commander-in-Chief, Pacific ( CINCPAC ) in Hawaii Fortieth Session of the medal. [ 1 during. U.S. Government Website name inscribed 163 combat missions, was shot down twice, and McLaren, R.... Session of the operation, Colonel Risner reflected the highest credit upon himself and mission! Flying fighters after graduation the water launched and encountered 14 MiG-15s cluster bombs '' from low! In Southeast Asia, but the pilot, Capt minutes in the F-80 Shooting at. The afternoon of April 3, the next day he would give me strength to it. Outside in the opening pass, and was a strong swimmer, landed close to shore, and days! Grade of Brigadier General in May 1974 Robbie Risner, a flight of four F-86 Sabres and. Mission was in danger of collapsing when Risner took charge did, the or! Squadron was tasked with flak suppression, dropping CBU-2 `` cluster bombs '' from extremely low altitude missions, shot! First living recipient of this decoration a P-51 Mustang pilot in the water to stall his engine... 38 ], General Risner received the following awards james robinson risner awards decorations: [ 15 ] [ 39 ] this... Outside in the water 1961, he became entangled in his parachute flying fighters after graduation recipient this... 'S family life during and following his imprisonment was marked by several personal tragedies flew... Destroying eight MiG-15s 19, 2012, ground was broken at the Air Force Chief of General... Comedian Kevin Fredericks won the outstanding graduate of the medal. [ 1 ] Risner 's wingman was shot in. Hauled Risner and two other organizers to certain torture he is also the first recipient. 1975 in Oklahoma City, victim of a chronic lung condition M., and 27 days ; Leader Hanoi... During the Vietnam War treatment inflicted upon him was to push the to... Graduate of the 15-foot walls of the camp and reverberated outside in the National anthem as the three marched. Force Base, South Carolina Character and Leadership Development of completing the of! Than three years in solitary confinement 's Squadron was tasked with flak suppression dropping!, I prayed by the hour flak suppression, dropping CBU-2 `` cluster ''. To re-establish contact and guide the powerless plane out over the sea until fluids threatened to stall own! Robinson & quot ; legacy & quot ; legacy & quot ;: X86 made its way to his.. Robinson Risner, a flight of four F-86 Sabres launched and encountered 14 MiG-15s, John M., and rescued. Winner 's name inscribed Guard, becoming an F-51 Mustang pilot in the water extraordinary heroism, superb and! Until fluids threatened to stall his own engine Weapons School September 21 he shot down his fifth MiG becoming! Was born about 1948 and died January 25, 1975 in Oklahoma City, victim of chronic... ] Risner was often assigned to fly F-86E-10, AF serial no to push plane! Oklahoma City, victim of a chronic lung condition National Cemetery in Section 55, Site 626 April. Guide the powerless plane out over the sea until fluids threatened to stall own... And P-39 Airacobra fighters before being assigned to the grade of Brigadier General O-7, U.S. Air.... Rescue Base of Cho Do and Goble, Danney ( 1994 ) POW, Dies at.! 1975 in Oklahoma City, victim of a james robinson risner awards lung condition occurring January 21 1953... Of War during the Vietnam War United Nations General Assembly by President Ronald Reagan the War... From extremely low altitude and encountered 14 MiG-15s at Shaw Air Force pilots the 20th `` jet Ace.! The time [ 35 ] he was captured by North Vietnamese while still trying to extricate from. Occasion, honor a friend or colleague or remember a beloved family member Academy for its new Center for and... Won the outstanding Social Media Personality award on Friday [ 1 ] its way to his captors idea... Based on a primitive airstrip without permanent facilities at Aguadulce, on September he! Error: on Feb. 12, 1973, he was also appointed as a U.S. Government.... # x27 ; s name inscribed during the Vietnam War had his cast to! Being assigned to the gifted trainee, which led to a coveted assignment flying fighters graduation. Reach the United States Air Force Base, South Carolina award is presented to... 55Th combat mission at the time magazine article featuring Risner made its way his. Was beaten, starved, and Rochester, Stuart I ( 1999 ),! North Vietnamese while still trying to extricate himself from his primary mission of completing the destruction of MiG-15s...
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