[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 132 (Tuesday, September 16, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5620-S5621]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               REMEMBERING COLONEL BERNARD FRANCIS FISHER

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I wish to honor the life of Medal of 
Honor recipient Col. Bernard Fisher, known as Bernie. He passed away in 
August after a meaningful and inspiring life, and he leaves behind a 
legacy of heroic and steady service.
  Colonel Fisher, of Kuna, ID, earned the Medal of Honor for putting 
his life on the line to rescue a fellow pilot downed in enemy-
controlled territory during the Vietnam war. According to an Air Force 
fact sheet, under enemy

[[Page S5621]]

fire, he landed his airplane, pulled the pilot aboard, and escaped 
despite the airplane he piloted being hit with multiple rounds. He is 
known as an outstanding, steady pilot. In 1967 President Lyndon B. 
Johnson presented him with the award. His ``conspicuous gallantry and 
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty'' 
was noted in his Medal of Honor citation.
  Bernard Fisher joined the U.S. Navy and attended Boise State Junior 
College and the University of Utah before receiving a commission in the 
U.S. Air Force and serving as a fighter pilot. He married his wife 
Realla in 1948, and they had six sons. He went on to have a 
distinguished military career before retiring in Kuna, ID, as an Air 
Force colonel. Three of his sons and one grandson carried on his legacy 
of service in the Air Force.
  In addition to his being known for his eminent military career, he is 
known as a loving husband, father, grandfather, generous friend, and 
committed member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 
After his retirement from the military, he and Realla grew a number of 
crops, raised livestock, looked after their family, and were active 
members of the community. He served as a Boy Scout leader and mentored 
airmen at Mountain Home Air Force Base. Bernie and Realla also served 
as missionaries for the church.
  Colonel Fisher truly lived the ideal of selfless service--risking his 
own life to save other lives. He inspired and encouraged others not 
only directly through his children, but also through the countless 
other servicemembers and Americans who have heard his story and have 
had the thought of dedicated service awakened in them. Bernie embodied 
great leadership. He led by example. I join his family, including his 
sons and their families, which include 33 grandchildren and many great-
grandchildren, and his numerous friends in mourning his passing. His 
legacy will endure.

                          ____________________