Colonel Robinson Risner flew one complete tour in VN as a fighter pilot, ending in Apr, 1965, being the first living recipient of the Air Force Cross for valor, and appearing on the April 23, 1965 cover of Time magazine. He began a second tour about 6 months later, but was shot down and captured in September, 1965. He was a POW in North VietNam for 7 1/2 years. After returning home in Feb, 1973, he wrote a book about his experiences, 'The Passing of the Night.' He was later promoted to BGen, and was awarded a 2nd Air Force Cross. After retiring, he was appointed by President Regan as an honorary delegate to the United Nations, and afterwards, was asked to serve as head of Texas War on Drugs. For all his accomplishments, including being an Ace in the Korean Conflict (8 Migs), a 9' statue was built in his honor, and is on display at the Air Force Academy in Co Springs, Co.