Beyond the Call of Duty: The Story of an American Hero

by Bernard Fisher, Jerry Borrowman

Providing close air support to ground troops in Vietnam was hazardous anytime, but on March 10, 1966, the Special Forces in the old French Fortress of Ashau were in particular trouble as the Viet Cong closed in. When an American airman went down, his death was a near certainty. That's when Major Bernie Fisher had a decision to leave the pilot to his fate or undertake a near-suicidal landing to help him out. Bernie's decision made him just one of sixteen members in the history of the Air Force to earn the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, Military History, Military Fiction

240 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2004

Reviews

[Jasmyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know that I'd give this 5 stars for the writing, but the story is definitely 5 star worthy. What Bernie Fisher was willing to do at the risk of his own life definitely went beyond the call of duty and he deservedly received the medal of honor. Loved hearing about it from his pov and reading about his life and lifelong love of flying.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I attended church with and love Bernard and Reilla Fisher. Reilla was an amazing cook and sweet lady. Bernie, still alive to this day, is humble and kind. Reading his story and seeing him so "elderly" now reminds me that everyone has a story to tell, and we are reminded to stop and take the time to listen to them. With many honors, the Fishers still remain stalwart and wonderful.

[Karen GoatKeeper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chilling. Frightening. Enlightening.
Captain Robert Trimble is recruited to work from Poltava, an American airbase in Russia as World War II winds down. Ostensibly he will repair and fly out American bombers. In truth he will help American POWs get out of Poland and back to the U.S. In fact he will aid these people and more to escape from Poland before the USSR brings down the Iron Curtain.
Stalin's Russia is paranoid. It is a place of kindness and incredible cruelty. What Stalin agrees to do and what Russia does are two different things.
Europe and the U.S. are tired of war. Their eagerness for peace has their governments betraying their own citizens.
Captain Trimble is caught between the two.
This tale written by the Captain's son is fascinating even as it chills the insides. It isn't an easy book to listen to but one important to hear. It explains so much about relationships in the world today as today's attitudes are rooted in the past.
Dick Estelle does his normal job reading the book. I recommend this book to anyone who tries to keep up with world affairs. Maybe it should be recommended to high school readers as a way to put a face on history as well.

[Myrna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was given to me as a Christmas gift, and is a "feel-good" book. I have a particular interest in anything to do with the Vietnam war, so reading about this hero was very compelling. The book is made up of just everyday things, as well as actual combat chapters, leading up to his rescue mission that earned him the medal of honor. At the end of the book, the co-author included an appendix called "A Brief History of the Vietnam War." Very interesting.

[H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bernie Fisher's account of his heroism is so down to earth it almost comes across as commonplace - just another day at the office scenario. The real story seems to be written between the lines...there is no moment when I was gripping the edge of my seat but his simple presentation makes his story so very real and inspiring because he is so unassuming.

[Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book for its true-to-life stories and adventure accompanied with its autobiographical nature. Col. Bernie Fisher is a real hero for both his celebrated Air Force service and personal values. If you're interested in learning how he was the first living Air Force recipient of the Medal of Honor, read the book first, then read the online information!

[Vern Wolfley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story of a real american hero. He showed great Faith, Courage, and Persitance in all that he did both professionaly and personal. I really enjoyed the book and his amazing story had me on the edge of my seat.

[Jahnelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great story, really poorly written. It made an interesting story really, really boring.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

it is personal. to see what is happening through the other persons eyes. realize that he is humble and shocked to get the medal of honor. Just doing his job. like most servicemen

[Swhe641200 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Story about Hero's in todays life. War in Vietnam. Also life in the service of our country. Referred by Vernon Packard

[Mona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I consider he and his wife my friends. I admire how they've lived their lives and their graciousness. This is a treasured book, our whole family has read it.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another book that my book club read before I joined and I had reservations about reading about the Vietnam war, but was pleasantly surprised . It was a good story of an American hero.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story very much. I read it to be able to discuss it with my son. This man actually can to Middleton and shared at firesides how the Lord guided him in battle.

[Sr Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

another of the great true stories of war heroes