Risner, Robinson
In 1973, Americans welcomed home their returning Vietnam prisoners of war (POWs). Among those released heroes walked then-Colonel James Robinson “Robbie” Risner. During 33 years of service, he fought in three wars and twice received the Air Force’s highest award, the Air Force Cross. He joined the US Army Air Corps during World War II and completed pilot training in 1943. He eagerly awaited a combat posting but was assigned to Panama flying the Lockheed P-38 Lightning and the Bell P-39 Airacobra. Following the war, he served in the Oklahoma Air National Guard flying the North American P-51 Mustang until his recall to active duty during the Korean War. Eager to contribute, Risner volunteered for duty as a photo-reconnaissance pilot.
After arriving in Korea, however, he wrangled an assignment with the famous 4th Fighter Wing flying the new North American F-86 Sabre. After pursuing and killing a MiG-15 over a Chinese air base, his wingman’s fuel tanks and hydraulics were severely damaged by flak. Heroically, Risner had his wingman shut down their engine, carefully inserted the nose of his F-86 into the crippled aircraft’s tailpipe and pushed it 60 miles to Cho Do Island, where a rescue unit waited for his wingman to bail out. In Korea, Risner accumulated eight aerial victories and earned the title “Ace.” In 1957, Risner set a transatlantic speed record in his North American F-100 Super Sabre, flying from New York to Paris in 6 hours and 37 minutes. In 1965, he took command of the 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron.
As a 22-year fighter veteran, he was now leading Republic F-105 Thunderchief strikes out of Thailand against targets in North Vietnam, a role that resulted in his appearance on the cover of TIME magazine. While flying a ROLLING THUNDER mission on September 16, 1965, he was shot down and taken prisoner. Because of the TIME article, the North Vietnamese believed they had captured an important American office and they were determined to break him through torture and solitary confinement. A living model of spiritual fitness, Risner kept his faith in God, country, fellow POWs, and his family. His personal valor, loyalty, and adherence to the Code of Conduct provided invaluable inspiration for his fellow prisoners during his 7 ½ year imprisonment in the Hanoi Hilton.
Following repatriation in 1973, Risner flew the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II and was later assigned as Commander, 832d Air Division, Cannon AFB, New Mexico, flying the General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark. Risner served out his career as Vice Commander of the USAF Tactical Fighter Weapons Center at Nellis AFB, Nevada, retiring in 1976. His combat and POW experiences are chronicled in his book, The Passing of the Night, which he dedicated to the youth of America.
Risner is the first living recipient of the Air Force’s highest award, the Air Force Cross, which he received twice. His many decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star with V for valor, two Silver Stars, eight Air Medals, and three Purple Hearts. Brigadier General Risner was first selected as an Eagle by Air Command and Staff College’s Gathering of Eagles in 1985 and subsequently honored in 1995, 1998, 2001, 2002, and 2005.
Years Honored: 1985, 1995, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2005
Aircraft/Specialty: North American F-86 Sabre, North American F-86E Sabre, Republic F-105 Thunderchief, Republic F-105 Wild Weasel, Spirit of the American Fighter Ace
Lithograph Setting(s):
In the summer of 1965, the daring combat leadership of Lieutenant Colonel "Robbie" Risner made him the first living recipient of the Air Force Cross. As part of the Rolling Thunder bombing campaign, his unit was ordered to make a maximum effort against three heavily defended railroad and highway bridges in North Vietnam. The primary target was cancelled prior to takeoff, so he led his flight of F-105Ds to their secondary targets--two of the three bridges. Risner coordinated the attack and was able to destroy both bridges with only half his ordnance. Seizing the initiative, he then gained in-flight permission to also attack the primary target deep in North Vietnam. The accuracy of the F- 105 pilots again took its toll, and, as Risner returned safely home, he knew they were "three-for-three" for the day.
"Robbie" Risner was a fighter Ace who combined outstanding aerial skill, marksmanship, and tactical awareness with a rare quality--intelligent aggressiveness. Testament to his aerial expertise was his becoming America's twentieth jet Ace in a brief, 4-month period. Flying the F-86 "Robbie's Hobbie," Risner flew more than 100 combat missions in "MiG Alley" over North Korea. He is credited with eight aerial victories while assigned to the 336th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Wing, Kimpo, Korea.
In 1965, while flying over North Vietnam in the Republic F-105 Thunderchief, Risner was flying at 17,000 feet looking down at a highway in the mountain passes when he spotted a big truck with his binoculars. Following a 270-degree diving turn, he met the vehicle head-on and delivered a long burst. The truck exploded just as Risner was approaching supersonic speeds. The F-105 was hit in the fuselage tank by an exploding 37 mm round but made he made it back to Korat.
"Robbie" Risner was a fighter Ace who combined outstanding aerial skill, marksmanship, and tactical awareness with a rare quality--intelligent aggressiveness. Testament to his aerial expertise was his becoming America's twentieth jet Ace in a brief, 4-month period. Flying the F-86 "Robbie's Hobbie," Risner flew more than 100 combat missions in "MiG Alley" over North Korea. He is credited with eight aerial victories while assigned to the 336th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Wing, Kimpo, Korea.
In 1973, after seven and one-half years of torture, loneliness, and deprivation, "Robbie" Risner emerged from the Hanoi Hilton as a national hero. Throughout his captivity, including four and one-half years of solitary confinement, Risner's valor, loyalty, adherence to the Code of Conduct, and faith in God and country became rallying points for fellow prisoners. A nine-foot tall statue of Risner was erected on the central plaza of the United States Air Force Academy to serve as an inspiration and a reminder of his uncompromising courage.
"Robbie" Risner, known for his courageous and positive attitude, was a fighter pilot in World War II and the Korean War (where he earned "Ace" status with eight combat kills). In 1973, he emerged from the Hanoi Hilton as a national hero after 7 ½ years of torture, loneliness, and deprivation. His faith in God, personal valor, loyalty, and adherence to the Code of Conduct provided invaluable inspiration for his fellow prisoners
