James Robinson Risner, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death
TweetJames Robinson Risner
Recipient of the Purple Heart medal
Date of Birth: 16-Jan-1925
Place of Birth: Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, United States
Date of Death: 22-Oct-2013
Profession: military officer
Nationality: United States
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn 
About James Robinson Risner
- James Robinson "Robbie" Risner (January 16, 1925 – October 22, 2013) was a Brigadier General and a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. During the Vietnam War, 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, awarded the first for valor in aerial combat and the second for gallantry as a prisoner of war of the North Vietnamese for more than seven years.
- He was the first living recipient of the medal.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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