

Risner, Richard Franklin, Maj Deceased

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This Person is Your...

> Ancestor Brother Brother-in-Law Cousin (First Cousin) Descendent Father Father-in-Law Fiance First Cousin Once Removed First Cousin Twice Removed Grand Nephew Grandfather Grandson Great Grand Nephew Great Grandfather Great Grandson Great Great Grandfather Great Great Grandson Great Great Great Grandfather Great Great Great Grandson Great Great Great Great Grandfather Great Great Great Great Grandson Great Great Uncle Great Uncle Husband Husband (Former) Nephew Second Cousin Second Cousin Once Removed Second Cousin Twice Removed Son Son-in-Law Step Brother Step Father Step Son Third Cousin Third Cousin Once Removed Third Cousin Twice Removed Uncle

Service Photo Service Details Last Rank

Major Last Primary MOS

0302-Infantry Officer Last MOSGroup

Infantry Primary Unit

1972-1975, 0302, MCRD (Cadre) San Diego, CA Service Years

1953 - 1975







Last Photo Personal Details



Home State

Minnesota Year of Birth

1932 -Deceased to remember Marine Maj Richard Franklin Risner.



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Official Badges







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Additional Information Last Known Activity

MAJOR RISNER IS THE ONLY MARINE OFFICER POW TO SUCCESSFULLY ESCAPE IN VIETNAM.

Other Comments:

Silver Star The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Richard Franklin Risner (MCSN: 0-67619), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Civic Action Officer with Marine Aircraft Group 12 (MAG-12), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 26 April 1968, Major Risner and the civic action noncommissioned officer were en route to the village of Long Phu when they were ambushed by the Viet Cong. In the initial burst of fire, the windshield on the jeep was shattered, spraying particles of glass into the faces of both men. Reacting instantly, they jumped from the vehicle into a nearby ditch. Quickly returning fire with his .45 caliber pistol at the source of the enemy ambush forces who were located in the surrounding trees, he and his companion crawled to the protective cover of the damaged vehicle, despite the continuous hostile fire striking around them. Obtaining another pistol from his fellow Marine, who was also armed with an M-16 rifle, he prepared to assault the enemy positions when he observed a hand grenade land nearby. Completely disregarding his own safety, he picked up the armed grenade and threw it toward the Viet Cong. Retrieving the pistol he had momentarily discarded, Major Risner then aggressively advanced into the dense undergrowth, firing both weapons as he moved and causing one of the enemy to flee. Returning to the vehicle, he found that his companion had been wounded and that they had nearly expended their ammunition. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, the two men successfully started the damaged vehicle and departed the area before the enemy could reorganize and launch another attack. His heroic actions and presence of mind in aggressively countering the Viet Cong ambush undoubtedly saved his life and the life of his companion and prevented the enemy from benefiting from the propaganda of the ambush attempt. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty at great person risk, Major Risner upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. Action Date: 26-Apr-68

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Major

Company: Civic Action Officer

Regiment: Marine Aircraft Group 12 (MAG-12)

Division: 1st Marine Aircraft Wing

26-Apr-68MajorCivic Action OfficerMarine Aircraft Group 12 (MAG-12)1st Marine Aircraft Wing Prisoner of War Medal Major Richard Franklin Risner (MCSN: 0-67619), United States Marine Corps, was held as a Prisoner of War in South Vietnam from August 20, 1968 until his successful escape from captivity on August 22, 1968. Action Date: August 20, 1968 - August 22, 1968

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Major

Division: Prisoner of War (South Vietnam) August 20, 1968 - August 22, 1968MajorPrisoner of War (South Vietnam) Photo Album More...) Risner- Guttormson Rich Risner Rich Risner MAG-12 civil actions... amputee Service Photo

