Chief Master Sergeant Wayne L. Fisk Park Dedication
Maxwell Air Force Base - Gunter Annex, Alabama
The purpose of the association is to maintain, enhance
and improve the remembrance of the history of those who flew on the HH-43 Kaman
Helicopters in the service of the United States of America. The PRHA was
proud to support the creation of this park.
CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT WAYNE L. FISK PARK DEDICATION
"Charlene and I, along with Bob and Vicki Gerstenberg had the honor of
representing the Air Rescue Association and the Pedro Rescue Helicopter
Association at the dedication of the Chief Master Sergeant Wayne L. Fisk Park at
Maxwell AFB - Gunter Annex, AL on the 28th of April 2004.
As you may recall the ARA and PRHA donated money toward the parks completion.
The dedication was well attended and professionally conducted. It began
with the National Anthem sung by TSgt Derrick Percival, an invocation by Rev Jim
Salminen, Col, USAF (Ret), followed by Introductions from CMSgt Dave Hamel.
This was followed by a special flag presentation by members of the 38th and 41st
Rescue Squadrons. Chief Fisk then gave some very moving remarks followed by
the unveiling of the monument to the Chief. Refreshments by the VFW Post
1349 of Prattville, AL concluded the days' schedule.
If you have never had the opportunity to visit the Enlisted Heritage Hall in
Montgomery I strongly recommend you do so if you are ever in the area. The
hall is very impressive and informative and stands right up there with the
quality and quantity of exhibits found at the Smithsonian and the Air Force
Museum in Dayton.
Your dollars went to a very worthy cause and Chief Fisk wanted Bob and I to
thank the PRHA and ARA membership personally for him.
John"
Left to Right: John L. Flournoy, President ARA and PRHA
Member-At-Large, CMSgt. Wayne L. Fisk, Bob
Gerstenberg, President PRHA
Chief Master Sergeant Wayne L. Fisk
The Silver Star
Attention to orders. Citation to accompany the award of the Silver Star
to Staff Sergeant Wayne L. Fisk
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Staff
Sergeant Wayne L. Fisk distinguished himself by gallantry in the
all-volunteer Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed United States Army
and Air Force military operation against an opposing armed force
during the Prisoner of War Search and Rescue Operation at Son
Tay, North Vietnam, on 21 November 1970. On that date,
Sergeant Fisk, as a Paramedic-Gunner prepared to evacuate the
ground rescue party and freed prisoners, flew deep into the
heart of enemy territory in a bold night attempt to rescue
American Prisoners of War. Throughout the entire mission,
he manned his position with bravery and aggressiveness while
maintaining the critical fire discipline necessary for properly
conducting this humanitarian operation. During the return
flight, he was a vital crewmember in the pickup of a downed
fighter pilot. The personal skill and extreme courage
displayed by Sergeant Fisk in this very hazardous rescue attempt
contributed immeasurably to the ultimate effectiveness and
tactical success of the mission. By his gallantry and
devotion to duty, Sergeant Fisk has reflected great credit upon
himself and the United States Air Force.
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Attention to orders. Citation to accompany the award of the Silver Star,
first oak leaf cluster, to Technical Sergeant Wayne L. Fisk
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Technical
Sergeant Wayne L. Fisk distinguished himself by gallantry in the
all-volunteer Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed United States Army
and Air Force military operation against an opposing armed force
on Koh Tang Island in the Gulf of Thailand on 15 May 1975.
On that date, Sergeant Fisk was the Pararescue Specialist of a
CH-53 helicopter aircrew which delivered a contingent of United
States Marines to the Island. In spite of extremely heavy
automatic weapons and rocket fire, the crew delivered the
Marines to the small landing zone on the beach and provided
suppressive cover fire which successfully allowed for the
removal of wounded United States Marines from their perilous
position. This courageous action aided in the safe
recovery of the SS Mayaguez and its crew. By his gallantry
and devotion to duty, Sergeant Fisk has reflected great credit
upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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This page last updated: May 29, 2008
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