James Robinson Risner Silver Star citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain James Robinson Risner, (AFSN: AO-779602), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy as Pilot of an F-86 type aircraft, 336th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, FIFTH Air Force on 15 September 1952.

After dispelling four MiG’s attacking friendly fighter-bombers, Captain Risner fearlessly pursued one of them through extremely hazardous low level flight and heavy concentrations of flak until the enemy was destroyed. Withdrawing, Captain Risner fearlessly pursued one of them through extremely hazardous low level flight and heavy concentrations of flak until the enemy was destroyed. Withdrawing, Captain Risner noticed fuel streaming from a flak hole in his wingman’s aircraft and quickly realized that his wingman would soon flameout. Although low on fuel himself, Captain Risner unhesitatingly, and without regard for his own personal safety, attempted twice to push his wingman home. However, each time he made contact with the tail of his wingman’s aircraft, leaking fuel and hydraulic fluid covered his canopy, rendering such action extremely dangerous. Still refusing to leave his wingman, Captain Risner shut down his engine and glided to his base. He made a successful air start over the field but flamed out, and was forced to make a dead-stick landing. The outstanding gallantry and exceptional airmanship displayed by Captain Risner, both in the facer of the enemy and in his unselfish desire to safeguard his wingman, were in keeping with the highest tradition of the military service, and reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.

Born: Jan. 16, 1925 in Mammoth Spring, Ark…. Was the first living recipient of the Air Force Cross… Is one of only a few airmen to have been awarded the Air Force Cross more than once… A recipient of two Silver Stars, three Distinguished Flying Crosses (with Valor device), three Bronze Stars (with Valor device), and four Purple Hearts among numerous other decorations… Served during World War II, Korea, and Vietnam… Spent seven years in North Vietnam as a prisoner of war… Retired as a brigadier general in 1976… Departed: Oct. 22, 2013… Interred: Arlington National Cemetery