James Robinson Risner

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 War in North Vietnam from 31 October 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. (At the time he was shot down and captured on 16 September 1965, Lieutenant Colonel Risner was a Pilot with the 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, SEVENTH Air Force.)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting 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 serving with the 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, SEVENTH Air Force, in action as Mission Commander and Air Coordinator for air strikes in North Vietnam on 3 and 4 April 1965. On each of these two days he directed 90 aircraft against the railway and highway bridge at Thanh Hoa, North Vietnam. On the 3 April mission, Colonel Risner’s aircraft was severely damaged by heavy ground fire, but with his cockpit filled with smoke, he managed to return to a friendly airfield where he landed safely. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Colonel Risner reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.