A nine-foot statue of Korean War ace and Vietnam veteran Brig. Gen. James Robinson Robbie Risner still stands at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, but the man himself was lost to the world with his passing at his home, Oct. 22. Throughout his career, Risner earned three Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Silver Stars, Eight Air Medals and two Air Force Crosses among his other awards and decorations. In the history of the Air Force only three other airmen have ever received more than one Air Force Cross, which is awarded for extraordinary heroism. But, for some, Risner is best known for one particular aerial feat performed in combat in 1952.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://www.avweb.com/recent-updates/business-military/loss-of-an-elite-ace-robbie-risner