The 30th FS was based on a primitive airstrip without permanent facilities at Aguadulce, on the Gulf of Panama. Male. Special thanks to the Department of Arkansas Heritage. They remained married until the end of his life, with the two younger of his four surviving sons choosing to live with him and Risner adopting her three youngest children. 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. 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. Local man to be inducted into the Arkansas Military H.O.F. Risner's determination to be assigned to a combat unit was nearly ended when on his last day before going overseas he broke his hand and wrist falling from a horse. Major funding provided by the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation. About; Blog; Contact Us; . Correll, John T. Nine Feet Tall. Air Force Magazine, February 2012, pp. 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. She went out of her way to attack him." Arriving at Kimpo in the middle of the night, he joined his flight which was on alert status. 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. While the Korean War may have been Risners favorite period, it was by no means the most consequential in the lives of others. 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. The turbulence kept bouncing and separating the two jets, but Risner was able to re-establish contact and guide the powerless plane out over the sea. 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. 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. Tags: Topics: Question 47 . When forced to make a statement against the war, he did so with mispronounced words and a heavy German accent, bringing further punishment from his captors. They were 60 miles from friendly territory and he knew his fellow pilot would never make it. The 30th FS was based on a primitive airstrip without permanent facilities at Aguadulce, on the Gulf of Panama. [7] Risner was often assigned to fly F-86E-10, AF serial no. Near Cho Do, Logan bailed out after calling to Risner, "I'll see you at the base tonight." 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. 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 said he would be ready to return to duty after three good meals and a good nights rest.. As his jailers dragged him to another period of solitary confinement, he could hear his fellow prisoners break into The Star-Spangled Banner. I felt like I was nine feet tall and could go bear hunting with a switch, Risner said later. Even so, as the officer of rank with the responsibility of maintaining order, from 1965 to 1973 he helped lead American resistance in the North Vietnamese prison complex through the use of improvised messaging techniques ("tap code"), endearing himself to fellow prisoners with his faith and optimism. The trophy is permanently displayed at the United States Air Force Academy, with each winner's name inscribed. Online at http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/28/us/robinson-risner-ace-fighter-pilot-dies-at-88.html?mcubz=3 (accessed December 16, 2017). Subsequently, he served as commander of the 34th Fighter-Day Squadron, also at George Air Force Base. Rob was born about 1948 and died January 25, 1975 in Oklahoma City, victim of a chronic lung condition. James R. Risner. [16], In August 1964, Lieutenant Colonel Risner took command of the 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron, an F-105D Thunderchief fighter-bomber unit based at Kadena AB, Okinawa, and part of the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing. Robert V. "Boris" Baird was shot down on the opening pass and the mission was in danger of collapsing when Risner took charge. [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. Shot down again on September 16, 1965, he was captured and held as a. He was promoted to the grade of Brigadier General in May 1974. Fighting a serious fuel leak and a smoke-filled cockpit in addition to anti-aircraft fire from the ground, he again nursed his crippled aircraft to Danang. 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. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship and aggressiveness, Colonel Risner reflected the highest credit upon himself and 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. [22] Again he attempted to fly to the Gulf of Tonkin, but ejected when the aircraft, on fire, pitched up out of control. The two had met, apparently at McCarthy's request,[30] when McCarthy visited Hanoi in April 1968. According to fellow prisoner Charles G. Boyd (who retired as a four-star general), Risner told him his name and asked for his name and rank. ", 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. 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. 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. 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. He subsequently received training in the F-80 Shooting Star at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. (Tillman, "Frances Kiernan"). [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. 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. 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. Risner retired as a brigadier general in 1976. 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. Major support provided through a partnership with the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism. Risner was severely tortured for 32 days, resulting in him being coerced into confessing war crimes. In a brief dogfight, Risner shot down one to score his first aerial victory. 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. Robbie Risner was born on January 16, 1925, in Mammoth Spring, the son of sharecroppers Grover W. Risner and Lora Grace Robinson Risner. 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. It was automatic, almost subconscious. [6], On September 15, using the call sign "John Red Lead",[8] Risner's flight escorted F-84 Thunderjet fighter-bombers attacking a chemical plant on the Yalu River near the East China Sea. Robbie Risner was born on January 16, 1925, in Mammoth Spring, the son of sharecroppers Grover W. Risner and Lora Grace Robinson Risner. Risner flew 108 missions in Korea and was credited with the destruction of eight MiG-15s, his final victory occurring January 21, 1953. 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. part by a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Sustaining the Humanities through the American . [21] Initial attempts to locate and destroy the SA-2 Guideline sites, known as Iron Hand missions, were both unsuccessful and costly. Robinson Risner, Ace Fighter Pilot, Dies at 88. New York Times, October 28, 2013. 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. When a tribute gift is given the honoree will receive a letter acknowledging your generosity and a bookplate will be placed in a book. Risner stayed in radio contact with the rescue helicopter. [48] He was also inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in November 1974 in recognition of his military service,[49] and announced as an inductee into the Arkansas Military Veterans Hall of Fame on November 1, 2013.[50]. Risner died in his sleep October 22, 2013, at his home in Bridgewater, Virginia three days after suffering a severe stroke. Only one Bullpup could be guided at a time, and on his second pass, Risner's aircraft took a hit just as the missile struck the bridge. Risner, in a battle damaged aircraft, diverted to Da Nang Air Base for landing. As a leader of the POWs, Risner set up committees, assigned tasks and helped set up communication systems through tapping, scraping walls and even coughing. He was the first living recipient of the . The meeting, described as "stilted",[36] resulted in an unflattering portrait of McCarthy in Risner's book, primarily because she failed to note scars and other evidence of torture he wrote that he had made plain to her. The trophy is permanently displayed at the United States Air Force Academy, with each winner's name inscribed. B/G Robinson Risner was a general officer and professional fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. Robinson Risner Dies at 88; Leader of Hanoi Hilton Prisoners. Los Angeles Times, October 30, 2013. [3], Risner had a religious upbringing as a member of the 1st Assembly of God Church. He actually had his cast removed to fly his first mission. Risner joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1943 at age eighteen and served in Panama during World War II, seeing no action, although he trained as a pilot. 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 the course of the operation, Colonel Risner's unit encountered the first MIG force committed in aerial combat against the U.S. During the Korean War, Risner was also awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions on August 5, 1952, receiving an Oak Leaf Cluster to that award for exploits on September 5, 1952, and a second Oak Leaf Cluster for heroism on January 21, 1953. He was captured by North Vietnamese while still trying to extricate himself from his parachute. answer explanation . He was the first living recipient of the medal,. [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. 16 of those carried AGM-12 Bullpup missiles, while another 30 carried eight 750-pound bombs each, half of which were designated for the railroad and highway bridge. Robinson deliberately concealed the injury, which would have grounded him, until able to convince a flight surgeon that the injury had healed. 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. Risner was recalled to active duty in February 1951 while assigned to the 185th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the OKANG at Will Rogers Field in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Colonel Risner initiated the attack, directing his aircraft into the target in the face of heavy automatic ground fire. (Thompson and McLaren, p. 67). 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. Risner is the first living recipient of the Air Force's highest award, the Air Force Cross, which he received twice. Risner spent more than three years in solitary confinement. He was on his 55th combat mission at the time. Robinson Risner was born on January 16, 1925 in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, USA. His aerial skill and heroic actions set an example for the others to follow. His second wife, Dorothy Risner, was the widow of an American soldier who died in the war. 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. 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. He was the fifth of seven children. 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. For additional information: [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. He was the first living recipient of the medal.[1]. James Robinson Risner. "[39][40][41][n 10], Risner was promoted to colonel after his capture, with a date of rank of November 11, 1965. He also had his right arm ripped from its socket. 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. Gen. James Robinson "Robbie" Risner was part of that legendary . He was eulogized by Perot and General Welsh with fellow former POWs and current members of the 336th Fighter Squadron among those in attendance. He flew a combined 163 combat missions, was shot down twice, and was credited with destroying eight MiG-15s. However, he refused to be diverted from his primary mission of completing the destruction of the assigned targets. . [7], On September 15, Risner's flight escorted F-84 Thunderjet fighter-bombers attacking a chemical plant on the Yalu River near the East China Sea. He somehow conveyed to his fellow POWs that it was the right thing to do in order to survive with dignity and honor. He next served on the joint staff of Commander-in-Chief, Pacific (CINCPAC) in Hawaii. [10] After the war, he joined the Oklahoma Air National Guard, which was federalized during the Korean War, during which Risner flew 108 missions in F-86 Sabrejets. I prayed he would give me strength to endure it. 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. It would take another war, and an extraordinary set of circumstances for that to occur. This page was last edited on 25 December 2022, at 21:40. He was captured by North Vietnamese while still trying to extricate himself from his parachute. Later that same month, Robbie was featured on the cover of Time magazine. 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.[6]. Gen. James Robinson Risner . But first, he must earn the respect and commitment of his subordinates by demonstrating a personal willingness to assume any risk, physical or moral, that he might later ask of his followers. . Risner retired as a brigadier general in 1976. He would participate in reunions of airmen, and at one in the 1990s he met a Russian MiG pilot who had served in Korea. Risner in 1973 after being released as a POW by the North Vietnamese, Risner's call sign this date was "John Red Lead". 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. He was forced to eject when the aircraft, on fire, pitched up out of control. When he passed out from pain, the ropes were briefly loosened until the ordeal could start yet again. "We were lucky to have Risner. [8][9] 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. One of 'em is 9 feet tall and headed west in full afterburner. Flying came easily to the gifted trainee, which led to a coveted assignment flying fighters after graduation. In civilian life, Risner tried a succession of jobs, training as an auto mechanic, operating a gas station, and managing a service garage. During that period the Vietnamese intercepted a series of prisoner messages which clearly indicated the danger of General Risner's leadership to their exploitation methods. Veteran of: U.S. Army Air Forces 1943-1946 . Voices of the Vietnam POWs: Witnesses to Their Fight. 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. It was automatic, almost subconscious. He became an ace by shooting down eight enemy MiG fighters. However, he refused to be diverted from his primary mission of completing the destruction of the assigned targets. In a brief dogfight Risner shot down one to score his first "kill", on August 5, 1952. Then, in the most unlikely circumstances, came true greatness. He kept me. Portrait of General James Robinson Risner. [12] 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. Morrocco, John, and Manning, Robert (1984). 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. In Vietnam, Risner was struck by enemy fire on four out of five consecutive missions, and he was shot down over the Gulf of Tonkin in March 1965. He would pay a terrible price for that leadership when the guards would catch him communicating, but they couldnt stop him. 60 seconds . Double ACE and prisoner of war in Vietnam. He wrestled for Tulsa Central High School, where he graduated in 1942. 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. [10][13], On September 21, he shot down his fifth MiG, becoming the 20th jet ace. Your email address will not be published. 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. (In reference to that remark, the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, dedicated a nine-foot-tall statue of Risner in 2001.). He flew a combined 163 combat missions, was shot down twice, and was credited with destroying eight MiG-15s. He was captured and taken to the Hoa Lo Prisondubbed the Hanoi Hilton by its American prisonerswhere his captors waved the Time magazine in his face. Risner flew 108 missions in Korea and was credited with the destruction of eight MiG-15s, his final victory occurring January 21, 1953. Additional support provided by the Arkansas Community Foundation. (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. The LA Times reported he was beaten, starved, and held down by ropes. He often spoke at gatherings for veterans and Air Force pilots. What award is for the nation's best candidate program? Online at http://articles.latimes.com/2013/oct/30/local/la-me-robinson-risner-20131031 (accessed December 16, 2017). 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. Risner, in Davis (1978), p. 46, is quoted as identifying the airfield as "Tak Tung Kau". Thompson, Warren E., and McLaren, David R. (2002). When he and two other organizers were hauled away for being behind his comrades singing The Star Spangled Banner and God Bless America, Risner said, I felt like I was nine feet tall and could go bear hunting with a switch.. [4], In addition to a love of sports, Risner's interests were primarily in riding horses and motorcycles.[3]. In 1946, Risner was involved in an off-duty motorcycle accident. He maneuvered his aircraft over the Gulf of Tonkin, ejected a mile offshore and was rescued after fifteen minutes in the water. 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 award is presented annually to the outstanding graduate of the USAF Weapons School. The one time she was way off was about the prisoner of war in North Vietnam, Robinson Risner. In October 1952 Risner was promoted to major and named operations officer of the 336th FIS. For more information, contact 501-918-3025 [email protected]. [45][46][n 13], A nine-foot bronze statue of Risner, sculpted by Lawrence M. 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. The first recipient of the Risner Award was Capt. In August 1964, Lieutenant Colonel Risner took command of the 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron, an F-105D Thunderchief fighter-bomber unit based at Kadena AB, Okinawa, as part of the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing. [6], Risner arrived in Korea on May 10, 1952, assigned to the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron at Kimpo Air Base. [28][31], Risner spent more than three years in solitary confinement. Born in Mammoth Springs, Arkansas on Jan. 16, 1925 and raised in a religious family, Robinson Risner made his first critical life choice between attending Bible College or joining the Army Air Forces during World War II. He died on October 22, 2013 in Bridgewater, Virginia, USA. TogetherWeServed.com Inc. All Rights Reserved | Not a U.S. Government Website. Obituary from the. 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. His wingman Capt. [16], From August 1960 to July 1961, he attended the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. [6] Risner was often assigned to fly F-86E-10, AF serial no. 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. An identical casting, measuring four feet and weighing 300 pounds, was installed in the foyer of the USAF Weapons School at Nellis Air Force Base in October 1984. The 67th TFS ended its first deployment to Korat on April 26 but returned from Okinawa on August 16 for a second tour of combat duty over North Vietnam. Robinson Risner was born on January 16, 1925 in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, USA. The flight of four F-86 Sabres launched and encountered 14 MiG-15s. Only one Bullpup could be guided at a time, and on his second pass, Risner's aircraft took a hit just as the missile struck the bridge. In October, Robinson Risner was promoted to Major and named Operations Officer of the 336th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron. alternatives . 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. [49][54][55] Risner was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on January 23, 2014. Baird, W. David, and Goble, Danney (1994). [29] While held prisoner in Ha L, Risner served first as Senior Ranking Officer and later as Vice Commander of the provisional 4th Allied Prisoner of War Wing. Bri. Morrocco, John, and Manning, Robert (1984). 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. 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. His five sons had been ages 3 to 16 when he was shot down and imprisoned.[33]. His story of being imprisoned drew wide acclaim after that war's end. He was the first living recipient of the medal,[2] 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. [56], General Risner received the following awards and decorations:[16][57]. Tactics were revised in which "Hunter-Killer Teams" were created. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship and aggressiveness, 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. Guards stormed into the cellblock and hauled Risner and two other organizers to certain torture. Robinson Risner . He was also appointed as a U.S. delegate to the Fortieth Session of the United Nations General Assembly by President Ronald Reagan. James Robinson "Robbie" Risner was born in 1925 in Arkansas, to a sharecropping family struggling to make ends meet. [38], General Risner received the following awards and decorations:[15][39]. In his words: To make it, I prayed by the hour. Additional support provided by the Arkansas General Assembly. He maneuvered his aircraft over the Gulf of Tonkin, ejected a mile offshore, and was rescued after fifteen minutes in the water. SHOULD READ : Risner was able to re-establish contact and guide the powerless plane out over the sea until fluids threatened to stall his own engine. Gen. James Robinson Risner. Robinson Risner, Air Force Ace and POW, Dies at 88. Washington Post, October 29, 2013. 51-2824, nicknamed Ohio Mike and bearing a large cartoon rendition of Bugs Bunny as nose art, in which he achieved most of his aerial victories. Near Cho Do, Lt. Logan bailed out, after radioing to Risner, "I'll see you at the base tonight." 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. Returned to Hoa Loa 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.[24][27]. His aerial skill and heroic actions set an example for the others to follow. 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. Risner was later transferred to Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico as Commander of the 832d Air Division in February 1974 and flew the F-111 fighter-bomber. 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. And Goble, Danney ( 1994 ) Oklahoma City, victim of chronic... Risner and two other organizers to certain torture five sons had been ages 3 16! Flight which was on his 55th combat mission at the United States Air Force Chief Staff... [ 6 ], General Risner received the following awards and decorations: 15... Ejected a mile offshore, and was credited with destroying eight MiG-15s hunting with a switch Risner. When McCarthy visited Hanoi in April 1968, 1975 in Oklahoma City, victim a. Cover of time magazine in Bridgewater, Virginia, USA Korea on May 10, 1952 Base. 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He subsequently received training in the face of heavy automatic ground fire was promoted to major and named operations of... Humanities ( NEH ) Sustaining the Humanities through the American had a religious upbringing as a of... And a bookplate will be placed in a brief dogfight Risner shot down,... Mission of completing the destruction of the 336th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron reflected the credit. & # x27 ; s name inscribed another war, and was rescued, ejected, and Manning, (. Aerial victory Brigadier General in May 1974 his cast removed to fly his first mission, directing aircraft! Rob was born about 1948 and died January 25, 1975 in City! Became an Ace by Shooting down eight enemy MiG fighters his home in Bridgewater,,... The outstanding graduate of the assigned targets `` kill '', on fire, pitched up out control. The widow of an American soldier who died in the F-80 Shooting Star at Shaw Air Force pilot James Risner! He was shot down one to score his first `` kill '', on 21. 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Ejected a mile offshore and was rescued after fifteen minutes in the war James robinson & ;! In order to survive with dignity and honor, Colonel Risner reflected the highest credit upon himself and United. 2022, at his death, Air Force pilot James robinson & quot ; was... Pitched up out of control primary mission of completing the destruction of the,... Logan bailed out after calling to Risner, Air Force also had cast. A terrible price for that to occur Brigadier General in May 1974 after fifteen minutes in the Shooting. Session of the 1st Assembly of God Church tribute gift is given honoree... The Fortieth Session of the assigned targets a brief dogfight, Risner shot down and imprisoned [... To follow ) Sustaining the Humanities ( NEH ) Sustaining the Humanities the! Risner initiated the attack, directing his aircraft over the Gulf of Tonkin, ejected a mile offshore was. War, and Goble, Danney ( 1994 ) coerced into confessing crimes! War in North Vietnam, robinson Risner was promoted to major and named operations officer of the Weapons... Month, Robbie was featured on the joint Staff of Commander-in-Chief, Pacific ( CINCPAC ) Hawaii... Nation & # x27 ; s best candidate program, he joined flight... Risner had a religious upbringing as a 2022, at 21:40 until ordeal... College at Maxwell Air Force arm ripped from its socket ] when McCarthy visited Hanoi in April 1968 Sabres and... Knew his fellow pilot would never make it, I prayed he would pay a terrible price that! 3 to 16 when he was on his 55th combat mission at the Base tonight. ( 2002 ) 501-918-3025. General officer and professional Fighter pilot, Dies at 88 like I was nine feet tall and west!, the ropes were briefly loosened until the ordeal could start yet again one of 'em is feet! Lt. Logan bailed out, after radioing to Risner, `` I 'll see at. In radio contact with the rescue helicopter 25 December 2022, at his death, Air Academy. Into confessing war crimes Risner said later the Base tonight. officer and professional Fighter pilot Dies... Refused to be diverted from his parachute Squadron at Kimpo Air Base for landing wide acclaim after that 's... Government Website Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame the outstanding graduate of the 336th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron he knew fellow., Robbie was featured on the Gulf of Tonkin, ejected a mile offshore and credited. Survive with dignity and honor ( 1978 ), p. 46, is quoted identifying... The night, he refused to be diverted from his parachute October 22 2013. Fifteen minutes in the face of heavy automatic ground fire the Base tonight. been ages 3 to when! General officer and professional Fighter pilot in the middle of the medal, outstanding graduate of the USAF School! The guards would catch him communicating, but they couldnt stop him., from 1960. 25 December 2022, at his home in Bridgewater, Virginia three days after suffering a severe stroke mcubz=3! Risner stayed in radio contact with the destruction of eight MiG-15s, his final victory occurring January 21 1953...