This Military Service Page was created/owned by
SSgt Harry McCown (Mac)
to remember
Risner, James Robinson (Robbie), Brig Gen USAF(Ret).
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Contact Info
Home Town Mammoth Spring
Last Address Bridgewater, VA
Date of Passing Oct 22, 2013
Location of Interment Arlington National Cemetery (VLM) - Arlington, Virginia
I have read the bio for Brigadier Gen. Risner and I could not begin to tell you his story. So I will let the two citations that accompanied the two Air Force Crosses that he received during the Vietnam War tell a little bit about him. I salute you Gen.Risner and thank you Sir.
Lieutenant Colonel Robinson Risner
U.S. Air Force
67th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat RTAFB, Thailand
Date of Action: 3 and 4 April 1966
The President of the United States, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Robinson Risner, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 3 and 4 April 1965. On these dates Colonel Risner led two successive operations against vitally important and heavily defended targets. Performing in the role of air coordinator, Colonel Risner arrived over the target area before the main strike force, evaluated the effectiveness of each strike, redirected subsequent strikes, and provided flak suppression against defenses that would hinder delivery aircraft in the performance of their mission. On the initial attack, while exposing himself to heavy ground fire, with complete disregard for his personal safety, Colonel Risner's aircraft sustained a direct hit in the left forward bomb-bay area, filling the cockpit with smoke and fumes. He flew his badly damaged aircraft over heavily fortified hostile territory before successfully landing at a friendly airfield. On 4 April, he again led an attacking force of fighter aircraft on a restrike against the same target. Colonel Risner initiated the attack, directing his aircraft into the target in the face of heavy automatic ground fire. His aerial skill and heroic actions set an example for the others to follow. In the course of the operation, Colonel Risner's unit encountered the first MIG force committed in aerial combat against the U.S. Forces in Southeast Asia. However, he refused to be diverted from his primary mission of completing the destruction of the assigned targets. Colonel Risner's actions not only deprived the communist force of its vital supply route and much needed equipment but further served to emphasize the high degree of U.S. determination in Southeast Asia. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship and aggressiveness, Colonel Risner reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Lieutenant Colonel James R. Risner
U.S. Air Force
For actions while a prisoner of war, U.S. Air Force
Date of Action: 31 October to 15 December 1965
The President of the United States, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, 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.
Other Comments:
Lieutenant Colonel Robinson Risner U.S. Air Force
67th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat RTAFB, Thailand
Date of Action: 3 and 4 April 1966
The President of the United States, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Robinson Risner, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 3 and 4 April 1965. On these dates Colonel Risner led two successive operations against vitally important and heavily defended targets. Performing in the role of air coordinator, Colonel Risner arrived over the target area before the main strike force, evaluated the effectiveness of each strike, redirected subsequent strikes, and provided flak suppression against defenses that would hinder delivery aircraft in the performance of their mission. On the initial attack, while exposing himself to heavy ground fire, with complete disregard for his personal safety, Colonel Risner's aircraft sustained a direct hit in the left forward bomb-bay area, filling the cockpit with smoke and fumes. He flew his badly damaged aircraft over heavily fortified hostile territory before successfully landing at a friendly airfield. On 4 April, he again led an attacking force of fighter aircraft on a restrike against the same target. Colonel Risner initiated the attack, directing his aircraft into the target in the face of heavy automatic ground fire. His aerial skill and heroic actions set an example for the others to follow. In the course of the operation, Colonel Risner's unit encountered the first MIG force committed in aerial combat against the U.S. Forces in Southeast Asia. However, he refused to be diverted from his primary mission of completing the destruction of the assigned targets. Colonel Risner's actions not only deprived the communist force of its vital supply route and much needed equipment but further served to emphasize the high degree of U.S. determination in Southeast Asia. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship and aggressiveness, Colonel Risner reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
1952-1954, F-86 Sabre
From Year 1952
To Year 1954
Personal Memories
Not Specified
Image
F-86 Sabre Details
Aircraft/Missile Information
Specifications StatsCentral Model North American F-86D Sabre Length 37.50 ft | 11.43 m Width 37.07 ft | 11.30 m Height 14.99 ft | 4.57 m Engine(s) 1 x General Electric J47-GE-27, turbujet engine generating 5,970lbs of thrust. Empty Weight 10,950 lbs | 4,967 kg MTOW 17,000 lbs | 7,711 kg Max Speed 690 mph | 1,110 km/h | 599 kts Max Range 785 miles | 1,263 km Ceiling 50,000 ft | 15,240 m | 9.5 miles Climb Rate 12,000 ft/min (1,344 m/min) Hardpoints 2 Armament 6 x 12.7mm machine guns 24 x 2.75in rockets
External provisions for 2,000 lbs of bombs Accommodations 1
Major Variants
* XP-86 - Original Army Air Force prototypes (3) * YP-86A - Re-engined with GE J47 turbojet. * P-86A - Redesignated from YP-86A * F-86A - Redesignated production model from P-86A; Featured J47-GE-1 turbojet. * F-86D - Complete redesign of base model; Redesignated as night/all-weather aircraft; Hughes fire control system; J47-GE-33 turbojet. * F-86E - Slab tailplane adjustable inflight; J47-GE-27 turbojet * F-86F - J47-GE-27 turbojet; Extended leading edges. * F-86K - Based on F-86D model with J47-GE-17B tubojet. * F-86L - Rebuilt "D" model with updated electronics and larger wing surface