james robinson risner awards

James Robinson Risner Nickname(s) Robbie Born (1925-01-16)January 16, 1925 Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, U.S. Died October 22, 2013(2013-10-22)(aged 88) Bridgewater, Virginia, U.S. Awards: Air Force Cross (2) Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star (2) Distinguished Flying Cross (3) Bronze Star (3 . James R. Risner. The 30th FS was based on a primitive airstrip without permanent facilities at Aguadulce, on the Gulf of Panama. At his passing, Air Force Chief of Staff General Mark A. Welsh III observed: "Brig. [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. In June, when the 336th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, also at Kimpo, sought experienced pilots, he arranged a transfer to 4th Fighter Wing through the intervention of a former OKANG associate. Forces in Southeast Asia. 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. When it would get so bad that I did not think I could stand it, I would ask God to ease it and somehow I would make it. Veteran of: U.S. Army Air Forces 1943-1946 . Risner's squadron led the first Rolling Thunder strike, bombing an ammunition dump approximately ten miles north of the Demilitarized Zone between the two Vietnams. 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. Chawkins, Steve. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Section 55, Site 626. 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 retired as a brigadier general in 1976. The first time you log in to our catalog you will need to create an account. [35], Publication of Risner's book led to a flap with American author and Vietnam war critic Mary McCarthy in 1974. Robinson Risner Dies at 88; Leader of Hanoi Hilton Prisoners. Los Angeles Times, October 30, 2013. [10][13], On September 21, he shot down his fifth MiG, becoming the 20th jet ace. Wingman Joe Logan bailed out over water and became entangled in his parachute cords, however, drowning before rescuers could reach him. [4] he also joined the Oklahoma Air National Guard, becoming an F-51 Mustang pilot. [15], Risner is one of only four airmen with multiple awards of the Air Force Cross, a combat decoration second only to the Medal of Honor. He received the Air Force Cross for his actions with the Sixty-Seventh Tactical Fighter Squadron on April 34, 1965, and was awarded an Oak Leaf Cluster to his Korean War Silver Star for operations against the North Vietnamese between September 9 and 12, 1965. [49][54][55] Risner was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on January 23, 2014. The trophy is permanently displayed at the United States Air Force Academy, with each winner's name inscribed. (Tillman, "Frances Kiernan"). View military histories of over 2 million, If you are a veteran, reconnect with people. Youve just been tortured, and thats not the end of it; resist to the limits of your sanity, or to permanent physical damage. Risner spent more than three years in solitary confinement. In 1946, Risner was involved in an off-duty motorcycle accident. Lyndon B Johnson Cup. The idea was to push the plane to reach the United Nations rescue base of Cho Do. [38], General Risner received the following awards and decorations:[15][39]. [n 5], Risner's squadron led the first Rolling Thunder strike on March 2, bombing an ammunition dump at Xom Biang approximately 10 miles (16km) north of the Demilitarized Zone. second award of the air force cross " The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Cross to James Robinson Risner, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force while a Prisoner of . With (Captain James) Stockdale we had wisdom. His aerial skill and heroic actions set an example for the others to follow. In 1946, Risner was involved in an off-duty motorcycle accident. Gender. TogetherWeServed.com Inc. All Rights Reserved | Not a U.S. Government Website. [34], An interview with Risner appears in the 1968 4-chapter East German series Piloten im Pyjama by Walter Heynowski and Gerhard Scheumann. With (Captain James) Stockdale we had wisdom. 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. Subsequently, he served as commander of the 34th Fighter-Day Squadron, also at George Air Force Base. 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. Voices of the Vietnam POWs: Witnesses to Their Fight. He became in the eyes of others in the business one of two things: the perfect role model, or just plain crazy. Colonel Risner initiated the attack, directing his aircraft into the target in the face of heavy automatic ground fire. Additional support provided by the Charles M. and Joan R. Taylor Foundation Inc. [31] After publication of the book, McCarthy strenuously attacked both Risner (deeming him "unlikeable") and Risner's credibility in a review. James R. Risner. Flying came easily to the gifted trainee, which led to a coveted assignment flying fighters after graduation. B/G Robinson Risner was a general officer and professional fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. 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. Risner flew 108 missions in Korea and was credited with the destruction of eight MiG-15s, his final victory occurring January 21, 1953. 7478. His mother and brother died while he was still a P.O.W. One Year After Saigon's Fall, Eight Ex-P.O.W.s Try to Cope with a Changing U.S. Obituary For: Brigadier General Robinson Risner, "USAF Weapons School Robbie Risner Award", "Nomination of United States Representatives and Alternate Representatives to the 40th Session of the United Nations General Assembly", Celebrated pilot and Vietnam POW dies at 88. 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. "[37], Perot helped Risner later become the Executive Director of the Texans' War on Drugs, and Risner was consequently appointed by President Ronald Reagan as a United States Delegate to the fortieth session of the United Nations General Assembly. 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. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship and aggressiveness, Colonel Risner reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. Robinson Risner was often assigned to fly F-86E-10 Sabrejet, nicknamed Ohio Mike and bearing a large cartoon rendition of Bugs Bunny as nose art, in which he achieved most of his aerial victoriesOn Sept. 15, 1952, his fighter unit found itself in a fierce dogfight over the Yalu River near the East China Sea when he noticed that the plane of his wingman, 1st Lt. Joseph Logan, had been hit and was leaking fuel. The statue was made nine feet tall in memory of Risner's statement, commenting on his comrades singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America", that "I felt like I was nine feet tall and could go bear hunting with a switch. When he passed the tough entrance exam for pilot training by one point, his future aloft was set. [7], Risner arrived in Korea on May 10, 1952, assigned to the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron at Kimpo Air Base. [9][n 2] Scoring numerous hits on the MiG, shooting off its canopy, and setting it on fire, Risner chased it between hangars of the Communist airbase, where he shot it down into parked fighters. The meeting, described as "stilted",[30] resulted in an unflattering portrait of McCarthy in Risner's book, primarily because she failed to note scars and other evidence of torture he had made plain to her. Thank you for pointing this out. 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. In 1976, the Robbie Risner Award was created to recognize an air force weapons officer who makes the greatest combat impact in his or her first year after graduating from the Weapons Instructor Course at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. Robinson Risner. [24] He was on his 55th combat mission at the time. Baird, W. David, and Goble, Danney (1994). Related Entries. 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 first recipient of the Risner Award was Capt. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! In June 1975, Risner was divorced from his wife Kathleen after 29 years of marriage. 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. 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. His story of being imprisoned drew wide acclaim after that war's end. In October 1952 Risner was promoted to major and named operations officer of the 336th FIS. He worked a series of jobs during his school years, contributing his earnings to the family funds. For more information, contact 501-918-3025 orcalsfoundation@cals.org. 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. He died on October 22, 2013 in Bridgewater, Virginia, USA. 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. Kiley, Frederick, and Rochester, Stuart I (1999). He flew nearly every weekend, and on one occasion, became lost in the fringes of a hurricane on a flight to Brownsville, Texas. 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. [16], In July 1956, he was transferred to George Air Force Base, California as operations officer of the 413th Fighter Wing. 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. He directed his aircraft over the Gulf of Tonkin, ejected, and was rescued. At his death, Air Force Chief of Staff General Mark A. Welsh III observed: "Brig. The flight of four F-86 Sabres launched and encountered 14 MiG-15s. It was never threatening, always gentle and optimistic, like a loving father giving guidance to his son. In a brief dogfight Risner shot down one to score his first "kill", on August 5, 1952. [3], Risner had a religious upbringing as a member of the 1st Assembly of God Church. 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. Unfortunately, the Time magazine article featuring Risner made its way to his captors. Robert V. "Boris" Baird was shot down on the opening pass and the mission was in danger of collapsing when Risner took charge. But there is no doubt in that every last one of the POWs stood taller in Risners shadow, tougher in their own resistance, and come home better men as a result. Major funding provided by the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation. 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 captured by North Vietnamese while still trying to extricate himself from his parachute. His five sons had been ages 3 to 16 when he was shot down and imprisoned.[33]. [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. 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. He was a close friend of the billionaire businessman and onetime presidential candidate H. Ross Perot, who commissioned a statue of Robinson Risner, which was installed at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, on November 16, 2001. In October 1952 Risner was promoted to major and named operations officer of the 336th FIS. On October 19, 2012, ground was broken at the Air Force Academy for its new Center for Character and Leadership Development. Baird, W. David, and Goble, Danney (1994). Tactics were revised in which "Hunter-Killer Teams" were created. 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. Risner's aircraft was at very low altitude flying at approximately 600mph,[23] approaching a site that was likely a decoy luring aircraft into a concentration of AAA. (Campbell and Hill, p. 90), Risner was "Oak Lead" on September 16, 1965, flying F-105D 61-0217. 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 captured by North Vietnamese while still trying to extricate himself from his parachute. Colonel Risner's actions not only deprived the communist force of its vital supply route and much needed equipment but further served to emphasize the high degree of U.S. determination in Southeast Asia. Divergent Prosperity and the Arc of Reform (1968-2022) Type. 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. Timothy A. Kinnan in 1977. [33][34], Risner was released in Operation Homecoming on 12 February 1973 and returned to the United States. [44] He later moved to Bridgewater, Virginia. [6] Risner was often assigned to fly F-86E-10, AF serial no. It would take another war, and an extraordinary set of circumstances for that to occur. Robinson Risner was born on January 16, 1925 in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, USA. [22] Again he attempted to fly to the Gulf of Tonkin, but ejected when the aircraft, on fire, pitched up out of control. 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. Following being shot down a second time and then captured, his arrival in the old French dungeons of Hanoi began the trial of his life, but also the leadership role that would be his legacy. [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). Online at https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/robinson-risner-air-force-ace-and-pow-dies-at-88/2013/10/29/ec759f3e-40ae-11e3-a624-41d661b0bb78_story.html (accessed December 16, 2017). In his book, Risner attributes faith in God and prayer as being instrumental to his surviving the Hanoi prison experience. The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Cross to Lieutenant Colonel James Robinson Risner, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 31 October 1965 to 15 December 1965. 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. When a tribute gift is given the honoree will receive a letter acknowledging your generosity and a bookplate will be placed in a book. (1925 - 2013) (RIP) James Rob. [5] He also joined the Oklahoma Air National Guard, becoming a P-51 Mustang pilot and flew nearly every weekend. [6], Risner arrived in Korea on May 10, 1952, assigned to the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron at Kimpo Air Base. Time magazine featured him on the cover of its April 23, 1965, issue, which highlighted a dozen Americans serving in Vietnam. Through his extraordinary heroism, leadership, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, General Risner reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. Risner in 1973 after being released as a POW by the North Vietnamese. [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. It was automatic, almost subconscious. Gen. James Robinson Risner . Additional support provided by the Arkansas Community Foundation. Double ACE and prisoner of war in Vietnam. [17], From August 1960 to July 1961, he attended the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. . Risner's exploits earned him an awarding of the Air Force Cross and resulted in his being featured as the cover portrait of the April 23, 1965 issue of Time Magazine. LBJ Cup . On one occasion, Risner became lost in the fringes of a hurricane on a flight to Brownsville, Texas. [16], From August 1960 to July 1961, he attended the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. 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. Logan bailed out over water but became tangled in his parachute lines and drowned before he could be rescued. In 1965 the facilities at Korat RTAFB were still primitive and the Air Force living area was referred to as "Camp Nasty.". Risner's wingman was shot down in the opening pass, and the mission was in danger of collapsing when Risner took charge. On 4 April, he again led an attacking force of fighter aircraft on a restrike against the same target. On these dates Colonel Risner led two successive operations against vitally important and heavily defended targets. The strike force consisted of more than 100 F-105, F-100, and B-57 aircraft, and in the congested airspace, heavy anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) fire seriously disrupted its coordination and radio communications. "The Art of Reviewing By Innuendo". Can you list the top facts and stats about Robbie Risner? Campbell, John M., and Hill, Michael (1996). [28] He was on his 55th combat mission at the time. U.S. Air Force pilot James Robinson Risner, a 2015 inductee into the Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame. Risner enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces as an aviation cadet in April 1943 and attended flight training at Williams Field, Arizona, where he was awarded his pilot wings and a commission as 2nd Lieutenant in May 1944. James Robinson "Robbie" Risner (born January 16, 1925) [1] was a general officer and professional fighter pilot in the United States Air Force . Risner was born in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, but moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1931. Risner was severely tortured for 32 days, resulting in him being coerced into confessing war crimes. Risner's exploits earned him the award of the Air Force Cross and resulted in his being featured as the cover portrait of the April 23, 1965 issue of Time magazine. Contributing his earnings to the gifted trainee, which highlighted a dozen Americans serving in Vietnam down to. 44 ] he later moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1931 M., Rochester. Dozen Americans serving in Vietnam flew a combined 163 combat missions, was shot down and imprisoned [! 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