Departed Fighter Pilot and 7 Year POW Leaves Lasting Impact on Air Force
http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=121008

When I was at A&M, Robbie Risner spoke to Corps of Cadets at Rudder. His was a compelling story but it wasn’t until later, while on active duty, that I came to appreciate the depth of his heroism and integrity. He was a giant among men.

From wiki:

quote:

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Risner is 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. He was the first living recipient of the medal, awarded the first for valor in aerial combat during the Vietnam War, and the second for gallantry as a prisoner of war of the North Vietnamese for more than seven years.

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. He flew a combined 163 combat missions, was shot down twice, and was credited with destroying eight MiG-15s. Risner retired as a brigadier general in 1976.

At his passing, Air Force Chief of Staff General Mark A. Welsh III observed, "We lost another Air Force hero this week. Brig. Gen. James Robinson "Robbie" Risner was part of that legendary group who served in three wars, built an Air Force, and gave us an enduring example of courage and mission success...Today’s Airmen know we stand on the shoulders of giants. One of ‘em is 9 feet tall…and headed west in full afterburner.

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I never had the pleasure of meeting Gen Risner, but the fighter pilots I worked with for 3 years in the early 80's talked about him all the time.

Through them, I also "came to appreciate the depth of his heroism and integrity."

Edit: Great thread title BTW. Have that song on a CD of AF songs.

[This message has been edited by NormanAg (edited 10/27/2013 2:37p).]

Here's my nickel. Robbie Risner and Bud Day within a few months of each other.

Him Him...

I saw him speak at a UPT graduation at Laughlin AFB when I was in middle school. What an absolutely phenomenal person.

There is a story out there that when he met a Russian MiG pilot that was flying for the North Koreans, the MiG driver asked

"Maybe you and I faced each other in combat?"

and Risner answered "we didn't, because you wouldn't be here."

I wish I had the appreciation for what he did in middle school that I do now.

If you want a good read about him, pick up Passing of the Night. You won't be able to put it down, promise you.

had a chance to meet him and he was one of the nicest, humblest men you will ever meet.

Ags, thanks for comments in honor of the man.