COLONEL HAROLD E. FISCHER (then Captain), distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations as Pilot of an F-86 aircraft, 39th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Fifth Air Force, on 16 February 1953. On that date, while leading a flight of two F-86 Sabre Jets on an air superiority mission over North Korea, Captain Fischer sighted a formation of sixteen enemy MIG-15s heading south across the Yalu River. Disregarding the odds against him, he immediately initiated an attack. Although under intense enemy fire, Captain FISCHER tenaciously pursued the leading MIG-15 through violent evasive maneuvers until he had destroyed it. Completely disregarding the fact that several enemy aircraft were still firing at him, Captain FISCHER skillfully maneuvered his Sabre into firing position on another MIG-15 that was attacking his wingman. Again demonstrating extreme courage and outstanding flying skill, Captain FISCHER pressed his attack until the MIG-15 was destroyed. These two victories in the face of counter attacks by such superior numbers unnerved the enemy to the extent that they withdrew into Manchuria before further attacks could be made. By his outstanding heroism, his complete disregard for personal safety and high sense of duty, Captain FISCHER reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.

Col. Fischer resided in Florida.