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COLONEL HAROLD E. FISCHER, USAF (RET) One of America's leading jet fighter aces: Colonel Fischer began his air combat career during the Korean War where he first flew 105 combat missions in the Lockheed F-80 fighter bomber. Then on a second Korean combat tour, flying the F-86 Sabre Jet fighter, Fischer would be officially credited with the destruction of 10 Soviet-built MiG-15 fighters in air-to-air combat. On April 7, 1952, on what would be his last Korean combat mission, Fischer would shoot-down two additional MiG fighters. Unfortunately, during the course of this engagement, he would himself be shot down by a third MiG fighter. This particular MiG-15 was piloted by a leading Chinese fighter ace named Han De Chai. Fischer ejected safely, however as the twisting air battle had taken Fischer into Chinese territory, he was immediately captured by Chinese soldiers and remain a prisoner of the People's Liberation Army until May 1955. Following release from Chinese captivity, Fischer returned to active Air Force service. During the Vietnam War, Fischer served as an advisor to the South Vietnamese Air Force, flying helicopter gunships, propeller driven A-1 Skyraiders attack aircraft and F-5 jet fighters. His final Air Force assignment was with the U.S. State Department's Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. At the invitation of PLAAF Lieutenant General Han De Chai, Colonel Fischer returned to China in the fall of 1997. Meeting in Shanghai, the two veteran fighter aces and former aerial adversaries discussed past air battles, and gave proof to the old Chinese adage that strong enemies can become strong and good friends. |
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