Waldo Gerald Fisher of Mulberry attended the College of the Ozarks in Hollister, MO for two and a half years before marrying and being drafted into the army in 1969. He served with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam in 1970 and 1971 as an infantry platoon sergeant, often walking point. His combat campaigns included the A Shau Valley, the Cambodian border, and Firebase Brick. He was nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor but was awarded the Silver Star Medal for extraordinary courage in attempting to save his platoon leader's life during an ambush. Additionally, he received the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Air Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

Following his release from active duty, he became heavily involved in the Vietnam Veterans of America Fort Smith Chapter 467, eventually becoming its president in 1993. He was honored with the Vietnam Veterans of America's National Commendation Medal for writing and producing a study guide titled *Vietnam War* for schools in the United States. After the war, he returned to school and earned his bachelor's degree from the College of the Ozarks in Missouri and his master's degree in education from the University of Central Arkansas.