James Robinson Risner
Military Person
1925 – 2013
Who was James Robinson Risner?
James Robinson "Robbie" Risner was a general officer and professional fighter pilot in the United States Air Force.
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. He was the first living recipient of the medal, 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.
Risner became an ace in the Korean War, and commanded a squadron of F-105 Thunderchiefs in the first missions of Operation Rolling Thunder in 1965. He flew a combined 163 combat missions, was shot down twice, and was credited with destroying eight MiG-15s. Risner retired as a brigadier general in 1976.
At his death, Air Force Chief of Staff General Mark A. Welsh III observed: "Brig. 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. One of ‘em is 9 feet tall…and headed west in full afterburner."
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- Born
- Jan 16, 1925
Mammoth Spring - Also known as
- Gen. Robinson Risner
- James Robinson Risner
- James Robinson "Robbie" Risner
- Robbie
- Nationality
- United States of America
- Education
- Central High School
- Lived in
- Arkansas
- Died
- Oct 22, 2013
Bridgewater - Resting place
- Arlington National Cemetery
Submitted
on July 23, 2013
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"James Robinson Risner." Biographies.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Apr. 2024. <https://www.biographies.net/people/en/james_robinson_risner>.
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