Parnell Jean Fisher of Jacksonville, born in Willmar, Arkansas, enlisted in the US Air Force in 1950. He served as a B29 bomber gunner and C47/C130 loadmaster. In 1966, he earned the Silver Star Medal as a loadmaster on an AC47 aircraft near Long Tao, Vietnam, dropping flares to illuminate enemy positions. When heavy anti-aircraft fire caused the aircraft to black out, Fisher saved the crew by tossing out an ignited flare, preventing a catastrophic fire.

In January 1967, Fisher received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his role as a gunner/loadmaster on an AC47, providing direct air support to friendly ground forces in Vietnam under attack. Fisher's effective illumination and accurate fire aided in defending American forces. Master Sergeant Fisher retired in 1977 but continued to work at Little Rock Air Force Base as a civilian.