MASTER SERGEANT PARNELL GENE FISHER

Master Sergeant Fisher of Jacksonville earned the Silver Star Medal for Gallantry and the Distinguished Flying Cross for service in Vietnam as a member of the 4th Air Commando Squadron. 

Master Sergeant Fisher earned The Silver Star while serving as a Staff Sergeant in Vietnam.  The narrative reads as follows: “Staff Sergeant Parnell G. Fisher distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near Vung Tau, Republic of Vietnam on 18 December 1966.  On that date, Sergeant Fisher, while flying as Loadmaster on an AC-47 aircraft, dropped flares to illuminate the hostile positions for the AC-47’s own firepower assault.  Due to heavy antiaircraft fire, his aircraft blacked out, necessitating all flare drops to be made in complete darkness.  After numerous flares had been released successfully, a sudden grave situation developed while a flare stood ready for release.  The flare exploded prematurely, ejected its canister, deployed the parachute inside the aircraft, and initiated the delay fuse for flare ignition. The crewmember holding this flare was wounded and knocked unconscious.  Sergeant Fisher, realizing that this flare would ignite and set the aircraft on fire, responded instantaneously.  With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he dropped on his hands and knees desperately searching for the flare in the darkness.  In the remaining few critical seconds, he managed to grasp it and toss it out just as the flare ignited. As the flare hit the slipstream, its deployed parachute caught under the rear cargo door, causing the flare to burn against the fuselage and once again endanger the entire aircraft with its inextinguishable flame.  Sergeant Fisher responded immediately to the new danger, he then leaned halfway out of the aircraft and after several attempts, cut the flare loose with his knife saving the aircraft and entire crew.  By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Fisher has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.” 

Major Floyd, deceased, of North Little Rock served in combat in Vietnam as a Pilot and his awards include the Bronze Star Medal for Valor and two Distinguished Flying Crosses.

On 5 August, 1970 Major Floyd was awarded his First Oak Leaf Cluster for The Distinguished Flying Cross.  The narrative for that award reads as follows: “Captain Johnny B. Floyd distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as the Aircraft Commander on a C-130 aircraft in Southeast Asia on 5 August, 1970.  On that date, Captain Floyd’s mission was the Emergency Resupply airlift of thirty pounds of jet fuel to the besieged airfield of Kham Duc, Republic of Vietnam.  Captain Floyd accomplished this very vital mission despite adverse weather conditions, hostile ground fire and the inherent hazards involved in flying into a marginal airfield surrounded by hazardous terrain.  As a result of his courage, perseverance and the energetic application of his knowledge and skill, his actions on this day contributed significantly to the airlift mission in Southeast Asia.  The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Floyd reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.”

 Staff Sergeant Jacks of Rison earned the Silver Star Medal for Gallantry, the Bronze Star Medal for Valor and the Purple Heart Medal during combat in Vietnam. 

Staff Sergeant Danny Lee Jacks is inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame for exemplary leadership and courage during long range reconnaissance patrols in 1969 and 1970 while assigned to Company G (Ranger), 75th Infantry Regiment, Americas (23rd Infantry) Division. Specifically, in August 1970, Staff Sergeant Jacks was assigned the mission of conducting an area reconnaissance southeast of Tra Bong, Vietnam; with a secondary mission to capture enemy personnel. While on the patrol, the team became aware of a hostile force in the vicinity. Staff Sergeant Jacks' team watched as the enemy force, consisting of more than the one hundred thirty men, passed in front of the team's concealed position. The team's plan was to allow the enemy element to pass, picking a straggler or two at the end of the enemy column. But, as the team began to execute this plan, the team came under heavy fire as a result of a counter ambush by the enemy. Reacting to the urgency of the situation and recognizing that his team was also in danger of an assault by the larger enemy element that had passed them, Staff Sergeant Jacks, immediately and unhesitatingly, led a counter assault against the enemy's ambush position. Without regard to the personal danger involved, Staff Sergeant Jacks maintained a highly accurate barrage of small arms fire that eliminated two of the enemy attackers and routed the remainder of the hostile soldiers. Then, recognizing the need to regroup and reassess the larger enemy unit's strength and position relative to his team, Staff Sergeant Jacks led his men across a stream when the team again suddenly came under intense hostile fire. Although he was wounded in the ensuing fierce exchange of fire, Staff Sergeant Jacks directed his men to defensive positions while continuing to engage the enemy. Again, with complete disregard for his personal safety, Staff Sergeant Jacks repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy's fire while marking their positions for friendly fire support. Despite the continued pressure, he remained in his vulnerable position until the enemy force was completely defeated. Through his timely and courageous actions, he contributed greatly to the overall success of the mission and served as an inspiration to his entire unit. Staff Sergeant Jacks' commitment to his men, and his resolve to complete the mission set him apart for all time as an exceptional role model for all military leaders. His personal courage, high skill level and competence, and his devotion to duty, his team, and his Country are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, the Ranger community, and the US Army 

Sergeant Major Richard Junior Nail has exemplified himself by serving in the United States Special Forces, both on active duty and inactive duty with the Search, Evade, Resist and Escape program that trains and prepares future Special Forces Soldiers the skills needed if captured by enemy forces. Throughout his career, he has boasted of being a country boy from a small town (Lafferty) in Arkansas. He is very proud of his military accomplishments and credits that to his upbringing in Arkansas where he was taught honesty, hard work, loyalty and service to others.

While serving in the Republic of South Vietnam, he was seriously wounded on March 17th, 1969 and medically evacuated to Japan and later to Walter Reed Hospital where he remained for eight months. He lost his left eye and one kidney as a result of hostile fire on that day. In addition, he remains with shrapnel in his right foot. Upon release from Walter Reed he was assigned to Fort Bragg. Once he arrived, he was required to undergo a special Medical Board to determine if he could return to active Special Forces Duty. Being a proud Razorback, Sergeant Major Nail pleaded with the board to allow him to return to duty to do what he loved. He felt a strong conviction of his debt to his country and fellow Green Berets. His wish was granted and he became a team Sergeant with Company C, 3rd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group Airborne. During his assignment as a team Sergeant, he led his team on missions to Berlin, Germany, Jordan, Turkey and Greece. In 1983, Sergeant Nail retired from the US Army. He was preparing to move his family to Houston Texas to accept employment; however, in 1984, he was approached by Colonel Rowe who asked him to join in a new innovative approach to training special forces recruits as a civilian instructor ( the program got its name SERE from search, evade, resist and Escape) components of the course that today all young Special Forces Recruits must satisfactorily complete. It stands out as one of the toughest parts of Special Forces training. Throughout his 53 years of service, you can always hear Sergeant Nail boasting of his roots in Arkansas.

On 7th June 1966 Sergeant Nail received the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for actions in Vietnam. The narrative of that award reads as follows:  For heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force:  Staff Sergeant Nail distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7th June 1966, in the Republic of Vietnam. When his battery was attacked by an overwhelming Viet Cong Force, Sergeant Nail fearlessly exposed himself to heavy enemy fire and grenades in order to place direct howitzer fire on the enemy. He acted with calm courage when he personally dove on an enemy grenade which had landed between two of his men and threw it from the parapet before it could explode. Recognizing that his men were running low on ammunition, he braved intense enemy fire to reach the ammunition bunkers and resupply his section. After several enemy weapons had been captured, Sergeant Nail used one of the Viet Cong rifles to kill three more insurgents, repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire in order to do so. Sergeant Nail’s Devotion to duty and personal courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. 

 Colonel Phillips, deceased, of Hot Springs Village served in Korea and completed two combat aviation tours in Vietnam. During his 24-year career he earned the Silver Star Medal for Gallantry, two awards of the Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star, 18 Air Medals and two Meritorious Service Medals. 

Colonel Phillips consistently showed his courage under fire. In 1971 he earned the Silver Star flying a UH-1 Med Evac helicopter to the besieged firebase Aluoi in Laos to evacuate wounded South Vietnamese Troops. During 2 days of medical evacuation flights he subjected himself to numerous mortar attacks and enemy fire to extract critically injured soldiers. His Silver Star citation states: “For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in Laos. Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Phillips distinguished himself on 21 and 22 February 1971 while serving as pilot of a UH-1H medical evacuation helicopter during the medical extraction of Army of the Republic of Vietnam in Laos. Piloting his aircraft to besieged Fire Base Aluoi under marginal weather conditions, LTC Phillips, despite the extreme danger from possible enemy fire, safely evacuated six critically wounded soldiers to a medical facility. On the following day he volunteered to lead three helicopters to Fire Support Base 31 in Laos to extract more critically wounded soldiers. Though his flight came under intense hostile antiaircraft fire while approaching the firebase, LTC Phillips maneuvered his craft through the barrage to the landing zone which immediately came under mortar attack. Subjecting himself to the onslaught, he remained on the ground until fourteen wounded soldiers had boarded and then safely transported them to a nearby hospital. LTC Phillips’ gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.” 

Colonel Robert A. Phillips, originally from Jasper, graduated from Arkansas Tech University in the class of 1956, and served on active duty in the Army for 24 years earning the Silver Star, 2 awards of the Legion of Merit, 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses, Bronze Star, 18 Air Medals, 2 Meritorious Service Medals, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal; the Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star and the Armed Forces Honor Medal First Class from the Republic of Vietnam; and the Medalha da Pacificadora from the government of Brazil. During his career he also earned his Master Army Aviator wings and his Expert Infantryman’s Badge. As a skilled pilot Colonel Phillips flew a total of 4,206 hours, including 1,160 combat hours, mostly in UH-1 Huey helicopters - but also in the Bell OH-58 Kiowa, Cessna T-41 Mescalero, Cessna O-1 Bird Dog, de Havilland U-6 Beaver and Beechcraft U-8 Seminole.

Colonel Phillips served in Korea and had two combat aviation tours in Vietnam (4 campaigns) where, in 1970, he was the Battalion Commander of the 158th Aviation Battalion (Assault and Ambulance Helicopter), which was assigned the 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) during the Battle of Fire Support Base (FSB) Ripcord; the last major confrontation between United States ground forces and the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) during the Vietnam War.

In 1967, as a Major on his initial combat tour in Vietnam, he earned his first Distinguished Flying Cross while piloting a transport helicopter to resupply an Infantry Platoon with ammunition and medical supplies. As he approached the unit, the enemy unleashed a vicious mortar attack. As  2 soon as it was over he continued his approach to a clearing between the Platoon and the enemy. Flying through a hail of enemy automatic fire he landed his aircraft and remained on the ground helping to unload the cargo while another mortar attack commenced. Once unloaded, he lifted off only to be called back to the platoon to evacuate 2 wounded Americans.

During his 24 year career Colonel Phillips was posted in Korea, Panama, Viet Nam and Brazil as well as stateside assignments in Texas, California, Alabama, Georgia, Kansas, Illinois, Pennsylvania and the Pentagon in Washington D.C where he was on the Army General Staff in the office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Research, Development and Acquisition leading the CH-47 Modernization Program which included improvements in payload, maintainability, safety, reliability and the initiation of the fly-by-wire program. In his final Army assignment Colonel Phillips served as the Chief of Concepts, Studies, SCORES and Threat Division and Acting Director of Combat Developments, United States Army Aviation Center, Fort Rucker, Alabama, responsible for developing new concepts of employment to guide the future of Army aviation.

On October 5, 2019 Colonel Phillips was inducted to the Arkansas Tech University ROTC Hall of Honors. https://www.arkansastechnews.com/atu-rotc-hall-of-honor-adds-new-members/

He is also listed on  the United States Army Aviation Museum website. http://www.armyaviationmuseum.org/flight-lines-gallery/flight-lines-p-to-z/col-phillips-robert-a/ 

 Lieutenant Colonel David Wallace honorably served in the United States Army for over 20 years where he earned numerous awards and decorations including:  Army Service ribbon, Distinguished Flying Cross (3), Bronze Star Medal, Distinguished Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (9), Air Medal with device, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Overseas Service ribbon, Overseas service bars, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Air Assault Badge, and the Senior Army Aviator Badge.

On 9 July 1972 Lieutenant Colonel Wallace received the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while serving in the Republic of Vietnam. The citation for his first Distinguished Flying Cross reads as follows:  for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty:  First Lieutenant Wallace distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as a pilot of a cobra gunship on the emergency medical evacuation of Brigadier General Tallman and two wounded US Advisors just south of An Loc. Alerted via radio to the attack on BG Tallman’s element, Lieutenant Wallace’s fire team was diverted from a reconnaissance mission near Lai Khe and directed to link up with a Medevac aircraft headed for An Loc which was then surrounded by Massive North Vietnam Army (NVA) forces. Due to the extreme haste required to rescue BG Tallman and his staff, Lieutenant Wallace was briefed en route via a frag order over the radio. Since the extraction of BG Tallman was to be done at all costs, speed was considered the determining parameter and Lieutenant Wallace's team which now included a Medevac aircraft flew low-level nap-of-the-earth directly from An Loc to Lai Khe even though this path was considered the most vulnerable. The rescue flight received a continuous and heavy volume of 37 mm and other large caliber anti-aircraft fire along the entire route, but the element of surprise generated by the nap-of-the-earth flying and the accurate return fire from Lieutenant Wallace enabled the flight to break through NVA lines and evacuate Brigadier General Tallman and two other wounded officers. Lieutenant Wallace repeatedly suppressed enemy anti-aircraft positions threatening the Medevac aircraft thus enabling the Medevac aircraft to successfully land and extract the fallen General and two wounded officers. Later on the same day Lieutenant Wallace again accompanied a Command and Control aircraft on a different flight path, again with low-level nap-of-the-earth flyiong, and recovered the bodies of BG Tallman’s aide, Third Regeional Assistance Command’s (TRAC) Chief of Staff and the G-3 of TRAC MACV. Lieutenant Wallace’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army