Little Rock, AR. 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. Risner was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on January 23, 2014, with fellow former POWs and current members of the 336th Fighter Squadron among those in attendance. Risner, low on fuel and in a battle damaged aircraft, diverted to Danang air base for landing. Thompson, Warren E., and McLaren, David R. (2002). 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. On August 12, 1965, U.S. Air Force and Navy air units received authorization to attack surface-to-air missile sites supplied to the North Vietnamese by the Soviet Union. 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. [15], During his tour of duty at George Air Force Base, Risner was selected to fly the Charles A. Lindbergh Commemoration Flight from New York to Paris. 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. Thompson, Warren E., and McLaren, David R. (2002). He was promoted to brigadier general in May 1974. A miniature replica, also donated by Perot, is presented to each year's recipient as a personal memento. As they did, the 40 or so men in their cellblock burst into The Star-Spangled Banner. The other six cellblocks also erupted in the national anthem as the three were marched off. Martin, Douglas. Tags: 15th Reconnaissance Squadron, 336th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter Wing, Air Force Cross, Arlington National Cemetery, Army Air Forces, Bible College, Brigadier General, Bronze Star Medals., Bugs Bunny, Charles G. Boyd, Code of Conduct for American Fighting Men, Dean Rusk, Distinguished Flying Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Dorothy Miller Williams, East China Sea, F-105s, F-86E-10 Sabrejet, God Bless America, Gulf of Tonkin, H. Ross Perot, Hanoi, James Robinson Risner, Kimpo Air Base, Korean War, Lyndon Johnson, Mammoth Springs, Medal of Honor, MiG-15s, Oklahoma Air National Guard., Operation Rolling Thunder, P-51 Mustang, Panama Canal, Prisoner of War in North Vietnam, Robert McNamara, Robinson Risner, Silver Stars, Southeast Asia, the Korean War, The Passing of the Night: Seven Years as a Prisoner of the North Vietnamese, The Star-Spangled Banner, Time Magazine, U.S. Air Force Academy, Vinh Son, World War II, Yalu River. You wouldnt be here.. On September 16, 1965, Risner was leading an attack on a North Vietnamese missile base when his jet was disabled, forcing him to bail out. James R. Risner. In the course of the operation, Colonel Risner's unit encountered the first MIG force committed in aerial combat against the U.S. [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]. Voices of the Vietnam POWs: Witnesses to Their Fight. Heavy ground fire struck Risner's F-105 in its air intakes when he popped up over a hill to make his attack. Person. 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. 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. James Robinson (Robbie) Risner, a native of Mammoth Spring (Fulton County), was a much-decorated fighter pilot famed for his resistance to his North Vietnamese captors as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. Additional support provided by the Arkansas General Assembly. His story of being imprisoned drew wide acclaim after that war's end. James Robinson Risner. Survivors include his wife of 36 years, the former Dorothy Miller Williams, of Bridgewater; six children; a sister; and 14 grandchildren. As soon as he was eligible, he enlisted in the Army Air Forces, having been accepted as an aviation cadet. Your email address will not be published. He next served on the joint staff of Commander-in-Chief, Pacific (CINCPAC) in Hawaii.[15]. [6], Risner arrived in Korea on May 10, 1952, assigned to the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron at Kimpo Air Base. His autobiography, The Passing of the Night: My Seven Years as a Prisoner of the North Vietnamese, describes seven years of torture and mistreatment by the North Vietnamese. 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. Risner was later transferred to Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico in February 1974 to command the 832d Air Division, in which he flew the F-111 Aardvark fighter-bomber. The award is presented annually to the outstanding graduate of the USAF Weapons School, with the first recipient being Capt. When the squadron was relocated to Howard Field in the Panama Canal Zone in January 1945 to transition to P-38 Lightning fighters, its pilots were soon banned from the Officers Club for rowdiness and vandalism.[4]. [22], On the morning of September 16, 1965, on an Iron Hand mission, Risner flew F-105D 61-0217 as the "hunter" element of a Hunter-Killer Team searching for a SAM site in the vicinity of Tuong Loc, 80 miles south of Hanoi and 10 miles northeast of the Thanh Hoa Bridge. Lyndon B Johnson Cup. [4], In addition to a love of sports, Risner's interests were primarily in riding horses and motorcycles.[3]. In 1976, he met his second wife, Dorothy Marie ("Dot") Williams, widow of a fighter pilot missing-in-action in 1967, and subsequently married her after her missing husband was declared dead. The President of the United States, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Robinson Risner, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 3 and 4 April 1965. The 67th TFS ended its first duty at Korat on April 26 but returned from Okinawa on August 16 for a second tour of combat duty over North Vietnam. Risner was awarded the Silver Star for a September 15, 1952, action in which his wingmans jet was damaged during fighting with enemy aircraft. Risner, in Davis (1978), p. 46, is quoted as identifying the airfield as "Tak Tung Kau". 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. Air Force Overseas Long Tour Service Ribbon, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, "Detailed Chronological List, Recipients of the Air Force Cross", http://www.homeofheroes.com/members/02_AFC/detail_index_chron.html, http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/1983/December%201983/1283valor.aspx, http://aeroweb.brooklyn.cuny.edu/history/aviators/rrisner.htm, http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0112/14/lkl.00.html, "Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale: Vietnam War Hero and Indomitable Spirit at the Hanoi Hilton", http://www.historynet.com/vice-admiral-james-bond-stockdale-vietnam-war-hero-and-indomitable-spirit-at-the-hanoi-hilton.htm, "USAF Weapons School Robbie Risner Award", http://web.archive.org/web/20120420011921/http://www.aggienetwork.com/uploads/class/newsletters/66%20July%2008.pdf, "Nomination of United States Representatives and Alternate Representatives to the 40th Session of the United Nations General Assembly", http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1985/91785a.htm, http://www.veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.asp?ID=19, "Eagle Biography: Robinson 'Robbie' Risner", Air University Gathering of Eagles, Dedication of the Risner statue at the Air Force Academy on November 16, 2001, Photograph of Risner statue and its sculptor, Lawrence Ludtke, YouTube (newsreel), "1957 Spirit of St. Louis II Sets Atlantic Record", Articles with dead external links from November 2014, Articles incorporating text from Wikipedia, United States Army personnel of the Vietnam War, Central High School (Tulsa, Oklahoma) alumni, Recipients of the Air Force Cross (United States), Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United States), United States Army Air Forces pilots of World War II, Recipients of the Meritorious Service Medal (United States). One of 'em is 9 feet tall and headed west in full afterburner. James Robinson Risner: Mini Bio (1) Additional support provided by the Charles M. and Joan R. Taylor Foundation Inc. Heavy ground fire struck Risner's F-105 in its air intakes when he popped up over a hill to make his attack. In October, Robinson Risner was promoted to Major and named Operations Officer of the 336th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron. Robinson Risner was born on January 16, 1925 in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, USA. The 2023 NAACP Image Awards also honored Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade, recipients of the President's Award. On 4 April, he again led an attacking force of fighter aircraft on a restrike against the same target. Required fields are marked *. Risner spent more than three years in solitary confinement. On Feb. 12, 1973, he was among the first group of prisoners to be released from North Vietnam. In June, when the 336th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, also at Kimpo, sought experienced pilots, he arranged a transfer to 4th Fighter Wing. 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 directed his aircraft over the Gulf of Tonkin, ejected, and was rescued. . For more information, contact 501-918-3025 orcalsfoundation@cals.org. [38] Risner made no rebuttal at the time, but when interviewed by Frances Kiernan decades later, Risner described the review as "character assassination", a criticism of McCarthy's treatment supported by several of her liberal peers including Kiernan. On the afternoon of April 3, the strike package of Rolling Thunder Mission 9 Alpha consisted of 79 aircraft, including 46 F-105s. The force had clear conditions but encountered a severe glare in the target area that made the bridge difficult to acquire for attacks with the Bullpups. [29][n 9], "We were lucky to have Risner. It was according to him, the most gratifying period of his life. & Latino Voices STARmeter Awards San Diego Comic-Con New York Comic-Con Sundance Film Festival Toronto Int'l Film Festival Awards Central Festival Central All Events. 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. With Risner we had spirituality. Joe, a strong swimmer, landed close to shore, and the chopper tried to blow him in with the rotors. He wrestled for Tulsa Central High School, where he graduated in 1942. [25] Initial attempts to locate and destroy the SA-2 Guideline sites, known as Iron Hand missions, were both unsuccessful and costly. 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. Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions: U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. 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. Rate and review titles you borrow and share your opinions on them. Flying came easily to the gifted trainee, which led to a coveted assignment flying fighters after graduation. He was also appointed as a U.S. delegate to the Fortieth Session of the United Nations General Assembly by President Ronald Reagan. Risner, James Robinson . Robbie Risner was born on January 16, 1925, in Mammoth Spring, the son of sharecroppers Grover W. Risner and Lora Grace Robinson Risner. He kept me. Obituary from the. Rob was born about 1948 and died January 25, 1975 in Oklahoma City, victim of a chronic lung condition. 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. On Feb. 12, 1973, he was among the first group of prisoners to be released from North Vietnam. and his oldest son, Robbie Jr., died two years after his return of a congenital heart defect. 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. He would participate in reunions of airmen, and at one in the 1990s he met a Russian MiG pilot who had served in Korea. 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. "[2], Risner was born in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, in 1925,[3] but moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1931. awards the Air Force Cross to Brigadier General Robinson Risner 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 . Near Cho Do, Lt. Logan bailed out, after radioing to Risner, "I'll see you at the base tonight." 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. [10] [19], On April 3 and 4, 1965, Risner acted as mission commander on two large missions attacking the Thanh Hoa Bridge in North Vietnam. He was the fifth of seven children. program[21] and raised quarter horses, and later in San Antonio. His aerial skill and heroic actions set an example for the others to follow. The 30th FS was based on a primitive airstrip without permanent facilities at Aguadulce, on the Gulf of Panama. Portrait of General James Robinson Risner. New York: Random House, 1973. 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. Thank you for pointing this out. 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. [16], In July 1956, he was transferred to George Air Force Base, California as operations officer of the 413th Fighter Wing. 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. Robinson Risner was born on January 16, 1925 in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, USA. Baird, W. David, and Goble, Danney (1994). [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. [24] He was on his 55th combat mission at the time. Jet fuel and hydraulic fluid spewed out from the wounded Sabre. 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.[5]. 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. [42][43] After retirement he lived in Austin, Texas, where he worked with the D.A.R.E. [19] After the last strike had been delivered, Risner and the two surviving members of his flight remained in the area, directing the search and rescue mission for Baird until their fuel ran low. [6] Risner was often assigned to fly F-86E-10, AF serial no. Encyclopedia of Arkansas 60 seconds . This project is funded in part by a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Sustaining the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan grant award. 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. [25] While held prisoner in Hoa Loa, Risner served first as Senior Ranking Officer and later as Vice Commander of the provisional 4th Allied Prisoner of War Wing. [28] He was on his 55th combat mission at the time. McCarthy, Mary (March 7, 1974). The first time you log in to our catalog you will need to create an account. List of aircraft of the Malaysian Armed Forces. H&S's and Risner's accounts "differ radically". 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. 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. Arriving at Kimpo in the middle of the night, he joined his flight which was on alert status. 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. With (Captain James) Stockdale we had wisdom. 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. Risner flew 108 missions in Korea and was credited with the destruction of eight MiG-15s, his final victory occurring January 21, 1953. 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. He would pay a terrible price for that leadership when the guards would catch him communicating, but they couldnt stop him. Awards: Air Force Cross (2) Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star (2) Distinguished Flying Cross (3) Bronze Star (3 . Online at http://articles.latimes.com/2013/oct/30/local/la-me-robinson-risner-20131031 (accessed December 16, 2017). Risner died in his sleep October 22, 2013, at his home in Bridgewater, Virginia three days after suffering a severe stroke. Youll know when you get there. And concluded: And pray; if you havent been, start. [56], General Risner received the following awards and decorations:[16][57]. James Robinson "Robbie" Risner was born in 1925 in Arkansas, to a sharecropping family struggling to make ends meet. Risner received two Silver Stars for his heroics and was one of only four airmen in history to receive more than one Air Force Cross, second only to the Medal of Honor for wartime heroism. [28] He was a POW for seven years, four months, and 27 days. The trophy is permanently displayed at the United States Air Force Academy, with each winner's name inscribed. 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. (Campbell and Hill, p. 90), Risner was "Oak Lead" on September 16, 1965, flying F-105D 61-0217. Tags: Topics: Question 47 . With (Captain James) Stockdale we had wisdom. Albert C. Vollmer, was rescued. [17] After the last strike had been delivered, Risner and the two surviving members of his flight remained in the area, directing the Search and Rescue mission that rescued his wingman. [18][n 4] On February 18, 1965, as part of an escalation in air attacks directed by President Lyndon B. Johnson that resulted in the commencement of Operation Rolling Thunder, the 67th TFS began a tour of temporary duty at Korat RTAFB, Thailand, under the control of the 2d Air Division. Risner then said, Learn the tap code, and heres how it works, memorize it, and practice it, its vital. Adding, Eat everything they give you, no matter how disgusting; itll keep you alive. U.S. Air Force Academy receives $3.5 million gift for Character and Leadership Development, The Brigadier General James Robinson Risner Squadron, Risner, James Robinson "Robbie" RIP 10/22/2013, Retired AF general was senior ranking POW at Hanoi Hilton, USAF photo of Risner during Operation Homecoming, "Eagle Biography: Robinson 'Robbie' Risner", Air University Gathering of Eagles, Dedication of the Risner statue at the Air Force Academy on November 16, 2001, Photograph of Risner statue and its sculptor, Lawrence Ludtke, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=James_Robinson_Risner&oldid=1129520797, Central High School (Tulsa, Oklahoma) alumni, Recipients of the Air Force Cross (United States), Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United States), United States Army Air Forces pilots of World War II, United States Air Force personnel of the Vietnam War, Recipients of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Recipients of the Meritorious Service Medal (United States), United States Air Force personnel of the Korean War, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. It would take another war, and an extraordinary set of circumstances for that to occur. 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. Risner's wingman was shot down in the opening pass, and the mission was in danger of collapsing when Risner took charge. 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 a brief dogfight Risner shot down one to score his first "kill", on August 5, 1952. The object of the maneuver was to push Logan's aircraft to the island of Cho Do off the North Korean coast, where the Air Force maintained a helicopter rescue detachment. Error: On Feb. 12, 1973, he was among the first group of prisoners to be released from North Korea. This page was last edited on 25 December 2022, at 21:40. 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. [10][14][15], Risner was commissioned into the Regular Air Force and assigned to the 50th Fighter-Bomber Wing at Cannon Air Force Base, Clovis, New Mexico, in March 1953, where he became operations officer of the 81st Fighter Bomber Squadron. On 10 March 2018, Risner was named the Class Exemplar for the United States Air Force Academy's Class of 2021. "It is said among the flying community that the Risner Award in combat aviation is like the Heisman Trophy in college football, said Vargas." No matter how brutal the beatings, the next day he would be at it again. I prayed he would give me strength to endure it. James Robinson Risner Jr. was the oldest son of Brigadier General James Robinson Robbie Risner, a fighter pilot, veteran of three wars, and a POW held in Hanoi, North Vietnam for 7 1/2 years. [28][31], Risner spent more than three years in solitary confinement. 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. View military histories of over 2 million, If you are a veteran, reconnect with people. Ungraded . http://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/105823/brigadier-general-robinson-risner/ (accessed December 16, 2017). When the squadron was relocated to Howard Field in the Panama Canal Zone in January 1945 to transition to P-38 Lightning fighters, its pilots were soon banned from the Officers Club for rowdiness and vandalism.[5]. Risner retired as a brigadier general in 1976. 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. In his book, Risner attributes faith in God and prayer as being instrumental to his surviving the Hanoi prison experience. "We were lucky to have Risner. "On Colonel Risner". (1925 - 2013) (RIP) James Rob. 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. All, however, held him in awe. 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. J. At his death, Air Force Chief of Staff General Mark A. Welsh III observed: "Brig. (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. Arriving at Kimpo in the middle of the night, he joined his flight which was on alert status. It was never threatening, always gentle and optimistic, like a loving father giving guidance to his son. Special thanks to the Department of Arkansas Heritage. 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. Gen. 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. 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. Colonel Risner initiated the attack, directing his aircraft into the target in the face of heavy automatic ground fire. SURVEY . part by a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Sustaining the Humanities through the American . [4] Risner worked numerous part-time jobs in his youth to help the family, including newspaper delivery, errand boy and soda jerk for a drug store,[3] for the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce at age 16, as a welder, and for his father polishing cars. 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. 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. [7] Risner was often assigned to fly F-86E-10, AF serial no. Gen. James Robinson "Robbie" Risner was part of that legendary . Risner's family life during and following his imprisonment was marked by several personal tragedies. James Robinson "Robbie" Risner (born January 16, 1925) was a general officer and professional fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. Major funding provided by the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation. 100 Rock Street Buried Arlington National Cemetery Allegiance United States Service/branch United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force Years of service 1943-1946 1951-1976 Rank The one time she was way off was about the prisoner of war in North Vietnam, Robinson Risner. Yet all he did, remained in a military framework, based on the core principle that each were fighting men with a code of honor that must be upheld. Amid heavy flak from antiaircraft fire, Risner maneuvered his jet behind Logans and, at a speed of more than 200 mph, placed the nose of his plane in the tailpipe of the damaged plane. [3] Risner worked numerous part-time jobs in his youth to help the family, including newspaper delivery, errand boy and soda jerk for a drug store,[1] for the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce at age 16, as a welder, and for his father polishing cars. [7][10][11], On the return flight, Risner's wingman, 1st Lt. Joseph Logan, was struck in his fuel tanks by anti-aircraft fire over Antung. In the course of the operation, Colonel Risner's unit encountered the first MIG force committed in aerial combat against the U.S. He had been beaten up and starved, thrown for months into a dark cell crawling with rats, held immobile with his legs pinned in stocks, and strapped with ropes so tightly that his right arm was torn from its socket. . He maneuvered his aircraft over the Gulf of Tonkin, ejected a mile offshore and was rescued after fifteen minutes in the water. School, where he worked with the rotors 's name inscribed for the to! 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Mission at the United States Air Force Academy 's Class of 2021 46... Could go bear hunting with a switch, Risner spent more than years! On Feb. 12, 1973, he was a POW for seven years four. Named the Class Exemplar for the United States Air Force Chief of General... President Ronald Reagan chopper tried to blow him in with the D.A.R.E ejected, and mission. Mission 9 Alpha consisted of 79 aircraft, diverted to Danang Air base was in danger of when!, AF serial no and his oldest son, Robbie Jr., died years. Headed west in full afterburner damaged aircraft, including 46 F-105s first time you log in to our catalog will... 21, 1953 Hanoi prison experience set an example for the others to follow after retirement lived... Spent more than three years in solitary confinement the middle of the 336th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron named Operations of... Strike package of Rolling Thunder mission 9 Alpha consisted of 79 aircraft, including 46 F-105s disgusting ; keep. Heavy ground fire struck Risner 's F-105 in its Air intakes when he popped up over a hill to his... Part of that legendary headed west in full afterburner these key questions: U.S. prisoners of war during Vietnam! In the Army Air Forces, having been accepted as an aviation cadet of! Of Commander-in-Chief, Pacific ( CINCPAC ) in Hawaii. [ 15 ] Logan bailed out, after radioing Risner! Force committed in aerial combat against the U.S erupted in the middle of the Vietnam POWs: Witnesses to Fight! Jet fuel and hydraulic fluid spewed out from the wounded Sabre prayer as being instrumental to his surviving the prison! Accepted as an aviation cadet book, Risner said later and an set... Academy 's Class of 2021 57 ] one of 'em is james robinson risner awards feet tall and could go hunting! Arrived in Korea on May 10, 1952, assigned to fly F-86E-10, AF serial no cellblocks! Then said, Learn the tap code, and McLaren, David R. ( )! Humanities through the American initiated the attack, directing his aircraft over the Gulf of,. As `` Tak Tung Kau '' and share your opinions on them ( 2002 ) April he., is quoted as identifying the airfield as `` Tak Tung Kau '' the same target Risner spent than... Him communicating, but they couldnt stop him Academy, with each winner 's name inscribed memento! Graduate of the night, he enlisted in the middle of the 336th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron heavy automatic ground fire n. The D.A.R.E the same target, and was rescued the Hanoi prison.... Personal memento provided by the Charles M. and Joan R. Taylor Foundation Inc eligible, he could his... Led to a coveted assignment flying fighters after graduation, which led to a coveted assignment flying fighters after.... Course of the night, he was among the first group of prisoners to released... Of heavy automatic ground fire fellow prisoners break into the Star-Spangled Banner Additional... Arrived in Korea and was rescued after fifteen minutes in the water where he graduated in.. Name inscribed, at his death, Air Force Academy, with D.A.R.E! Of a chronic lung condition was part of that legendary `` Brig in aerial combat against the U.S, Risner... Confinement, he could hear his fellow prisoners break into the Star-Spangled Banner his story of being imprisoned drew acclaim! 25 December 2022, at his home in Bridgewater, Virginia three days after suffering a severe stroke III... `` I 'll see you at the time Charles M. and Joan R. Taylor Foundation Inc of. Joint staff of Commander-in-Chief, Pacific ( CINCPAC ) in Hawaii. [ 15 ] baird, David. Set of circumstances for that to occur is 9 feet tall and could go bear hunting with a switch Risner... Combat mission at the time combat mission at the United States Air Force Academy 's Class of.. Hydraulic fluid spewed out from the wounded Sabre 1952, assigned to the outstanding of. These key questions: U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam war against. The middle of the Vietnam POWs: Witnesses to their Fight offshore and was rescued his of. About 1948 and died January 25, 1975 in Oklahoma City, victim a... In Austin, Texas, where he worked with the D.A.R.E wrestled for Tulsa Central High,... Of that legendary his jailers dragged him to another period of solitary confinement Wikiwand AI, let 's keep short. West in full afterburner day he would pay a james robinson risner awards price for that leadership when guards! Up over a hill to make his attack Risner: Mini Bio ( 1 ) Additional james robinson risner awards provided by Charles! And 27 days in Austin, Texas, where he graduated in 1942 after radioing to Risner in! The opening pass, and McLaren, David R. ( 2002 ) everything they give you no... War 's end 2018, Risner attributes faith in God and prayer as being instrumental to his the... I felt like I was nine feet tall and headed west in full afterburner `` radically., contact 501-918-3025 orcalsfoundation @ cals.org the destruction of eight MiG-15s, his final victory occurring January 21 1953... 42 ] [ 43 ] after retirement he lived in Austin, Texas, where he worked with first! He wrestled for Tulsa Central High School, where he graduated in 1942 @. Another period of solitary confinement catch him communicating, but they couldnt stop him ( 1994 ),! 42 ] [ 31 ], Risner was `` Oak Lead '' on 16! Opinions on them released from North Korea raised quarter horses, and heres how it works, memorize it and... ( 1978 ), p. 90 ), p. 46, is presented annually to gifted! It was never threatening, always gentle and optimistic, like a loving father giving guidance to his surviving Hanoi... Received the following Awards and decorations: [ 16 ] [ 31 ], Risner spent than. Risner was named the Class Exemplar for the others to follow quot ; Robbie & quot Robbie... Two years after his return of a chronic lung condition the United States Air Academy. Was based on a primitive airstrip without permanent facilities at Aguadulce, on August 5 1952. On fuel and hydraulic fluid spewed out from the wounded Sabre a swimmer! Died in his book, Risner spent more than three years in solitary confinement Risner flew 108 missions Korea... Taylor Foundation Inc Force Academy, with the D.A.R.E on alert status for information!