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C i t a t i o n T o A c c o m p a n y T h e A w a r d O f
T H E D I S T I N G U I S H E D F L Y I N G C R O S S
To: Master Sergeant Gary F. Thomas
Master Sergeant Gary F. Thomas distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight as a C-123B Flare Kicker near Dak To II, Republic of Vietnam on 9 June 1966.
On that date, while engaged in a night flare drop mission, Sergeant Thomas armed and ejected flares for a two hour period despite hazards presented by adverse weather and ground fire.
As a result of this effort, the friendly outpost managed to repel the hostile attack and maintain control of the area. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Thomas reflect great credit upon himself and The United States Air Force.
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Official Citation of the Medal of Honor to Roy P. Benavidez
Rank and Organization: Master Sergeant.
Detachment B-56,
5th Special Forces Group, Republic of Vietnam
Place and Date: West of Loc Ninh on 2 May 1968
Entered Service at: Houston, Texas June 1955
Date and Place of Birth: 5 August 1935, DeWitt County,
Cuero, Texas
Citation
Roy
P. Benavidez -- Master Sergeant, then Staff Sergeant,
United States Army. Who distinguished himself by a series of daring and
extremely glorious actions on 2 May 1968 while assigned to Detachment B-56,
5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). 1st Special Forces, Republic of
Vietnam. On the morning of 2 May 1968, a 12-man Special Forces
Reconnaissance Team was inserted by helicopters in a dense jungle area west
of Loc Ninh, Vietnam to gather intelligence information about confirmed
large-scale enemy activity.
This area was controlled and routinely patrolled by the North Vietnamese Army. After a short period of time on the ground, the team met heavy enemy resistance and requested emergency extraction. 3 helicopters attempted extraction, but were unable to land due to intense enemy small arms and anti-aircraft fire.
Sergeant Benavidez was at the Forward Operating Base in Loc Ninh monitoring the operation by radio when these helicopters returned to off-load wounded crew members and to assess aircraft damage. Sergeant Benavidez voluntarily boarded a returning aircraft to assist in another extraction attempt. Realizing that all the team members were either dead or wounded and unable to move to the pickup zone, he directed the aircraft to a nearby clearing where he jumped from the hovering helicopter, and ran approximately 75 meters under withering small arms fire to the crippled team.
Prior to reaching the team's position he was wounded in his right leg, face and head. Despite these painful injuries he took charge, repositioning the team members and directing their fire to facilitate the landing of an extraction aircraft, and the loading of wounded and dead team members. He then threw smoke canisters to direct the aircraft to the team's position. Despite his severe wounds and under intense enemy fire, he carried and dragged half of the wounded team members to the awaiting aircraft. He then provided protective fire by running alongside the aircraft as it moved to pick up the remaining team members. As the enemy's fire intensified, he hurried to recover the body and classified documents on the dead team leader.
When he reached the leader's body, Sergeant Benavidez was severely wounded by small arms fire in the abdomen and grenade fragments in his back. At nearly the same moment, the aircraft pilot was mortally wounded, and his helicopter crashed. Although in extremely critical condition due to his multiple wounds, Sergeant Benavidez secured the classified documents and made his way back to the wreckage, where he aided the wounded out of the overturned aircraft, and gathered the stunned survivors into a defensive perimeter. Under increasing enemy automatic weapons and grenade fire, he moved around the perimeter distributing water and ammunition to his weary men, re-instilling in them a will to live and fight.
Facing a buildup of enemy opposition with a beleaguered team, Sergeant Benavidez mustered his strength, began calling in tactical air strikes and directed the fire from supporting gun ships to suppress the enemy's fire and so permit another extraction attempt. He was wounded again in his thigh by small arms fire while administering first aid to a wounded team member just before another extraction helicopter was able to land. His indomitable spirit kept him going as he began to ferry his comrades to the craft. On his second trip with the wounded, he was clubbed with additional wounds to his head and arms before killing his adversary. He then continued under devastating fire to carry the wounded to the helicopter.
Upon reaching the aircraft, he spotted and killed 2 enemy soldiers who were rushing the craft from an angle that prevented the aircraft door gunner from firing upon them. With little strength remaining, he made one last trip to the perimeter to ensure that all classified material had been collected or destroyed, and to bring in the remaining wounded. Only then, in extremely serious condition from numerous wounds and loss of blood, did he allow himself to be pulled into the extraction aircraft.
Sergeant Benavidez' gallant choice to voluntarily join his comrades who were in critical straits, to expose himself constantly to withering enemy fire, and his refusal to be stopped despite numerous severe wounds, saved the lives of at least 8 men. His fearless personal leadership, tenacious devotion to duty, and extremely valorous actions in the face of overwhelming odds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect the utmost credit on him and the United States Army.
Medal of Honor Recipient, Master Sergeant Roy P. Benavidez, passed away on Sunday, 29 November 1998 at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 63. Roy had bravely battled diabetes and was overcome by respiratory failure.
His story was widely publicized at the time in 1981 when he was presented the nations highest award by President Reagan. What many may not know is that it came thirteen years after the battle, and if not for fellow combatant and Green Beret Brian O'Connor confirming the account of the battle by writing to the Army Medal of Honor Board, Roy's story may never have been fully told.
To learn the full story, including the details of the battle, the presenting of the Distinguished Service Cross to Roy, by first a young lieutenant in a hospital ward and later properly by General Westmoreland in a formal ceremony Sept. 15th, 1969 at Ft. Sam Houston and the remarkable chain of events that led to his reunion with Brian O'Connor, please read the compelling book "The Last Medal of Honor", By Pete Billac.
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President Bush Attends Medal of Honor Ceremony for Woodrow Wilson Keeble
THE PRESIDENT: Welcome. Thanks for coming. Mr. Vice President, Mr. Secretary, members of the Dakotan Congressional Delegations, Senator from Alaska, other members of Congress, Members of my Cabinet, members of the administration, members of the United States Armed Forces, distinguished guests: Welcome to the White House.
The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor a President can bestow, and I'm honored recipients of the Medal of Honor have joined us. Thank you for coming. During my time in office, I've had the privilege of performing this duty on nine separate occasions. Every ceremony has been inspiring. Many have been joyful. Some have been poignant. But I'm not sure I can remember many ceremonies quite like this one.
It's taken nearly 60 years for Master Sergeant Woodrow Wilson Keeble to
be awarded the medal he earned on the battlefield in Korea. His nominating
paperwork was lost, and then it was resubmitted, and then it was lost again.
Then the deadline passed, and Woody and his family were told it was too
late. Some blamed the bureaucracy for a shameful blunder. Others suspected
racism: Woody was a full-blooded Sioux Indian. Whatever the reason, the
first Sioux to ever receive the Medal of Honor died without knowing it was
his. A terrible injustice was done to a good man, to his family, and to
history. And today we're going to try to set things right.
The Korean era U.S. Army jacket of Master Sgt. Woodrow Wilson Keeble is seen Monday, March 3, 2008, displayed in the East Room of the White House, during the presentation of the Medal of Honor, posthumously, in honor of Master Sgt. Keeble’s gallantry during his service in the Korean War. Keeble is the first full-blooded Sioux Indian to receive the Medal of Honor. White House photo by Eric Draper.
For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary,
The White House, March 3, 2008
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A TRUE HERO
Medal of Honor recipient, retired Col. Bernard F. Fisher, is interviewed Feb 26 at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea. Colonel Fisher was the first living Air Force member to receive the Medal of Honor. Colonel Fisher received the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Vietnam War. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Darcie Ibidapo)
Retired Col. Bernard F. Fisher was the first living recipient of the U.S. Air Force Medal of Honor. Colonel Fisher received the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Vietnam War. (U.S. Air Force photo)
2/27/2008 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFPN) -- There are few opportunities allowing Airmen to gain first-hand insights on the history and achievements of the Air Force, which have helped shaped the foundation of the organization, while at the same time, inspiring Airmen of all ranks. One of the military's most valued and respected achievements is the Medal of Honor. Kunsan Air Base had the chance to host the first Air Force living recipient of the Medal of Honor Feb. 26 here. Read Story - By Senior Airman Steven R. Doty, 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs. Medal of Honor recipient visits Kunsan
OFFICIAL CITATION
FISHER, BERNARD FRANCIS - Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Air Force, 1st Air Commandos. Place and date: Bien Hoa and Pleiku, Vietnam, 10 March 1966. Entered service at: Kuna, Idaho. Born: 11 January 1927, San Bernardino, Calif. Citation: 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.
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Medal Of Honor
KERREY, JOSEPH
R.
Rank and organization:
Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S.
Naval Reserve, Sea, Air, and Land Team
Place and date:
Near Nha Trang Bay, Republic of
Vietnam, 14 March 1969
Entered service at:
Omaha, Nebraska
Born: 27 August 1943,
Lincoln, Nebraska
Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a SEAL team leader during action against enemy aggressor (Viet Cong) forces. Acting in response to reliable intelligence, Lt. (jg.) Kerrey led his SEAL team on a mission to capture important members of the enemy's area political cadre known to be located on an island in the bay of Nha Trang. In order to surprise the enemy, he and his team scaled a 350-foot sheer cliff to place themselves above the ledge on which the enemy was located. Splitting his team in 2 elements and coordinating both, Lt. (jg.) Kerrey led his men in the treacherous downward descent to the enemy's camp.
Just as they neared the end of their descent, intense enemy fire was directed at them, and Lt. (jg.) Kerrey received massive injuries from a grenade which exploded at his feet and threw him backward onto the jagged rocks. Although bleeding profusely and suffering great pain, he displayed outstanding courage and presence of mind in immediately directing his element's fire into the heart of the enemy camp. Utilizing his radio, Lt. (jg.) Kerrey called in the second element's fire support which caught the confused Viet Cong in a devastating crossfire.
After successfully suppressing the enemy's fire, and although immobilized by his multiple wounds, he continued to maintain calm, superlative control as he ordered his team to secure and defend an extraction site. Lt. (jg.) Kerrey resolutely directed his men, despite his near unconscious state, until he was eventually evacuated by helicopter. The havoc brought to the enemy by this very successful mission cannot be over-estimated. The enemy soldiers who were captured provided critical intelligence to the allied effort. Lt. (jg.)
Kerrey's courageous and inspiring leadership, valiant fighting spirit, and tenacious devotion to duty in the face of almost overwhelming opposition sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
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LOUIS R. ROCCO
Medal of Honor Recipient Dies at Age 63
U.S. Army 1956-1978
W.O.
Louis R. Rocco USA Ret. war hero and friend to Veterans News Hour Daily
passed away Thursday at his home in San Antonio, Texas. He died of lung
cancer presumably from exposure to Agent Orange.
Note: On behalf of all us here at Veterans News Hour Daily I wish to express my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Louis Rocco. It is a tragic loss to all who knew him and to all Americans he fought for. He truly championed veterans causes especially in health care and we owe him more thanks than possible. A national hero Louis Rocco received the Congressional Medal of Honor as a medic in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War; his official Citation is below. Louis you will always be with us because your devotion to our country and it's veterans is everlasting.
Gary Thomas
Veterans News Hour Daily
President Emeritus of The Brotherhood of Vietnam Veterans
Photo Desc: Louis R. Rocco is seen here entering The Veterans Leadership Meeting in San Antonio, TX. Also in attendance; VA Secretary Anthony J. Principi, U.S. Rep. Ciro D. Rodriguez, and Veterans News Hour Daily Founder Gary Thomas. Photo by VNHD
MEDAL OF HONOR
ROCCO, LOUIS R.
Rank and organization: Warrant Officer (then Sergeant
First Class), U.S. Army, Advisory Team 162, U.S. Military Assistance
Command.
Place and date: Northeast of
Katum, Republic of Vietnam, 24 May 1970.
Entered service at: Los Angeles,
Calif.
Born: 19 November 1938,
Albuquerque, N. Mex.
Citation
WO Rocco distinguished himself when he volunteered to accompany a medical evacuation team on an urgent mission to evacuate 8 critically wounded Army of the Republic of Vietnam personnel. As the helicopter approached the landing zone, it became the target for intense enemy automatic weapons fire. Disregarding his own safety, WO Rocco identified and placed accurate suppressive fire on the enemy positions as the aircraft descended toward the landing zone.
Sustaining major damage from the enemy fire, the aircraft was forced to crash land, causing WO Rocco to sustain a fractured wrist and hip and a severely bruised back. Ignoring his injuries, he extracted the survivors from the burning wreckage, sustaining burns to his own body. Despite intense enemy fire, WO Rocco carried each unconscious man across approximately 20 meters of exposed terrain to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam perimeter.
On each trip, his severely burned hands and broken wrist caused excruciating pain, but the lives of the unconscious crash survivors were more important than his personal discomfort, and he continued his rescue efforts. Once inside the friendly position, WO Rocco helped administer first aid to his wounded comrades until his wounds and burns caused him to collapse and lose consciousness. His bravery under fire and intense devotion to duty were directly responsible for saving 3 of his fellow soldiers from certain death.
His unparalleled bravery in the face of enemy fire, his complete disregard for his own pain and injuries, and his performance were far above and beyond the call of duty and were in keeping with the highest traditions of self-sacrifice and courage of the military service.
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Chairman
of The J.C.S.
This Official Biography is re-produced from the
J.C.S. Website
General
Richard B. Myers became the fifteenth Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff on Oct. 1, 2001. In this capacity, he serves as the principal military
advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the National
Security Council. Prior to becoming Chairman, he served as Vice Chairman of
the Joint Chiefs of Staff for 19 months.
General Myers was born in Kansas City, Missouri. He is a 1965 graduate of Kansas State University, and holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Auburn University. The General has attended the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama; the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania; and the Program for Senior Executives in National and International Security at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.
General Myers entered the Air Force in 1965 through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program. His career includes operational command and leadership positions in a variety of Air Force and Joint assignments. General Myers is a command pilot with more than 4,100 flying hours in the T-33, C-37, C-21, F-4, F-15 and F-16, including 600 combat hours in the F-4.
As the Vice Chairman from March 2000 to September 2001, General Myers served as the Chairman of the Joint Requirements Oversight Council, Vice Chairman of the Defense Acquisition Board, and as a member of the National Security Council Deputies Committee and the Nuclear Weapons Council. In addition, he acted for the Chairman in all aspects of the Planning, Programming and Budgeting System including participation in the Defense Resources Board.
From August 1998 to February 2000, General Myers was Commander in Chief, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Space Command; Commander, Air Force Space Command; and Department of Defense manager, space transportation system contingency support at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. As commander, General Myers was responsible for defending America through space and intercontinental ballistic missile operations. Prior to assuming that position, he was Commander, Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, from July 1997 to July 1998. From July 1996 to July 1997 he served as Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Pentagon; and from November 1993 to June 1996 General Myers was Commander of U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force at Yokota Air Base, Japan.
General Myers and his wife have three children, two daughters and a son.
Current as of October 2001
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This Story Has Been Submitted by one of VNHD'S Most Appreciated Contributors
Story One:
World War II produced many heroes. One such man was Lieutenant Commander Butch O'Hare. He was a fighter pilot assigned to the aircraft carrier Lexington in the South Pacific. One day his entire squadron was sent on a mission. After he was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank. He would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and set back to his ship. His flight leader told him to return to the carrier. Reluctantly he dropped out of formation and headed back to the fleet. As he was returning to the mother ship, he saw something that turned his blood cold.
A
squadron of Japanese bombers were speeding their way toward the American
fleet. The American fighters were gone on a sortie and the fleet was all but
defenseless. He couldn't reach his squadron and bring them back in time to
save the fleet. Nor, could he warn the fleet of the approaching danger.
There was only one thing to do. He must somehow divert them from the fleet.
Laying aside all thoughts of personal safety, he dove into the formation of
Japanese planes.
Wing-mounted 50 calibers blazed as he charged in, attacking one surprised enemy plane and then another. Butch weaved in and out of the now broken formation and fired at as many planes as possible until finally all his ammunition was spent. Undaunted, he continued the assault. He dove at the planes, trying to at least clip off a wing or tail, in hopes of damaging as many enemy planes as possible and rendering them unfit to fly. He was desperate to do anything he could to keep them from reaching the American ships. Finally, the exasperated Japanese squadron took off in another direction.
Deeply relieved, Butch O'Hare and his tattered fighter limped back to the carrier. Upon arrival he reported in and related the events surrounding his return. The film from the camera mounted on his plane told the tale. It showed the extent of Butch's daring attempt to protect his fleet. He had destroyed five enemy bombers. That was on February 20, 1942, and for that action he became the Navy's first Ace of W.W.II and the first W.W.II Naval Aviator to be awarded the Medal of Honor.
A year later he was killed in aerial combat at the age of 29. His home town would not allow the memory of that heroic action to die. And today, O'Hare Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the courage of this great man. So the next time you're in O'Hare visit his memorial with his statue and Medal of Honor. It is located between terminal 1 and 2.
Story number two:
Some years earlier there was a man in Chicago called Easy Eddie. At that time, Al Capone virtually owned the city. Capone wasn't famous for anything heroic. His exploits were anything but praiseworthy. He was, however, notorious for enmeshing the city of Chicago in everything from bootlegged booze and prostitution to murder. Easy Eddie was Capone's lawyer and for a good reason. He was very good! In fact, his skill at legal maneuvering kept Big Al out of jail for a long time.To show his appreciation, Capone paid him very well. Not only was the money big; Eddie got special dividends. For instance, he and his family occupied a fenced-in mansion with live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day. The estate was so large that it filled an entire Chicago city block.
Yes, Eddie lived the high life of the Chicago mob and gave little consideration to the atrocity that went on around him. Eddie did have one soft spot, however. He had a son that he loved dearly. Eddie saw to it that his young son had the best of everything; clothes, cars, and a good education. Nothing was withheld. Price was no object. And, despite his involvement with organized crime, Eddie even tried to teach him right from wrong. Yes, Eddie tried to teach his son to rise above his own sordid life. He wanted him to be a better man than he was.
Yet, with all his wealth and influence, there were two things that Eddie couldn't give his son. Two things that Eddie sacrificed to the Capone mob that he could not pass on to his beloved son: a good name and a good example. One day, Easy Eddie reached a difficult decision. Offering his son a good name was far more important than all the riches he could lavish on him. He had to rectify all the wrong that he had done. He would go to the authorities and tell the truth about Scar-face Al Capone. He would try to clean up his tarnished name and offer his son some semblance of integrity. To do this he must testify against The Mob, and he knew that the cost would be great. But more than anything, he wanted to be an example to his son. He wanted to do his best to make restoration and hopefully have a good name to leave his son.
So, he testified. Within the year, Easy Eddie's life ended in a blaze of gunfire on a lonely Chicago street. He had given his son the greatest gift he had to offer at the greatest price he would ever pay. I know what you're thinking. What do these two stories have to do with one another? Well, you see, Butch O'Hare was Easy Eddie's son.
Photo Description: President Franklin D. Roosevelt congratulates Lt. Butch O'Hare USNR upon receipt of the Congressional Medal of Honor.
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Medal of Honor recipient honored again
by Master Sgt. Gary Pomeroy -- Air Force News Service
Retired Air Force Col. Bernard Francis Fisher, the Air Force's first Medal of Honor winner during the Vietnam War, visits the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon. During his visit to Washington in early March, Fisher was honored by the National Aviation Club on the 30th anniversary of his heroic rescue of a fellow A1-E Skyraider pilot who had been shot down. (Photo by Ron Hall)
WASHINGTON -- Air Force's first Medal of Honor recipient in the Vietnam War said the end of the Cold War may have "diminished the threat somewhat" but the United States must be cautious about reducing its warfighting capabilities. "You just never want to get too weak," said retired Air Force Col. Bernard Francis Fisher. "The United States can never lose a war. I mean really lose one where the enemy would come here. That would be a disaster."
Fisher was in Washington in early March to be honored by the National Aviation Club on the 30th anniversary of his heroic rescue of a fellow A1-E Skyraider pilot who had been shot down in the Ashau Valley in South Vietnam in March 1966. Today, Fisher -- who retired in 1974 after 27 years of service -- grows sugar beets, alfalfa seed and corn seed on his 80-acre farm in Kuna, Idaho, about 15 miles southwest of Boise.
The 69-year-old also maintains active family and professional relationships with the Air Force. Two of his six sons are Air Force officers. Recently he addressed a group at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., and he visited some transportation troops at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, where they "sat on some pickup trucks and talked," he said. Troops who comprise today's Air Force are "a sharp bunch of people," Fisher said. Alluding to the reductions in resources and the increased operations tempo across the Air Force, he added: "I think they've had to be."
Of the heroic incident that etched his name in airpower history, Fisher said the Medal of Honor changed his life because he has met "so many neat people" and visited many places he wouldn't have otherwise. It also drove home the crucial nature of teamwork.
"I'm mighty grateful for what happened -- that I was able to survive (but) I couldn't have done it without a lot of people who were behind the scene." On March 10, 1966, Fisher, then a major, was assigned to the 1st Commando Squadron at Pleiku, South Vietnam. While on patrol with his wingman Capt. Francisco Vazquez, the two were diverted to Ashau Valley where a special forces camp was being overrun by 2,000 North Vietnamese Regulars.
Enroute he met up with three other A-1Es -- piloted by Maj. "Jump" Myers, Capt. John Lucas and Capt. Denny Hague -- and began strafing runs against enemy troops in the valley. As they roared through the valley, they were fired down upon by enemy gunners lodged in the surrounding mountains. Myers' aircraft was hit by ground fire and crashed on the airstrip at the camp. Fisher, believing Myers was seriously injured and in danger of being captured, landed on the airstrip and attempted a rescue.
"We knew we had to get him out of there," Fisher recalled. "He wouldn't have survived 10 minutes if he had been captured." While Lucas and Hague strafed the area, Fisher taxied nearly the full length of the runway, which was littered with debris and unexploded shells. Myers dashed out of hiding and climbed aboard the A-1E. As Fisher prepared to take off with Myers, Lucas told Hague they should make another strafing pass. Said Fisher: "Denny came back and said, 'I'm Winchester, John,'" slang for out of ammunition.
Lucas replied, according to Fisher: "'Denny so am I -- they don't know the difference though.' "Bless their hearts," Fisher said recalling the exchange. In the face of ground fire, Fisher took off safely even though his aircraft was struck by 19 enemy rounds. Fisher said another aspect of the team play began hours before the flight that day -- with the maintenance crew. His A1-E had new tires and the instrument panel and scopes were "all bright and shiny," he said. In accepting the aircraft for that day's mission, Fisher said he noted on the Air Force Form 781 -- the aircraft's maintenance record and flight log -- "This is the cleanest airplane I've ever flown."
"And I just beat the tar out of it," said the grandfather of 26. "But if it hadn't been in such good shape I wouldn't have made it." President Lyndon Johnson presented the Medal of Honor to Fisher in a White House ceremony on Jan. 19, 1967.
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