Aaron R. Fisher

Aaron Richard Fisher
Born 1892[1]May 14, 1895{?}
Lyles, Indiana
Died 22 November 1985
Xenia, Ohio
Allegiance  United States of America
Service/branch  United States Army
Years of service 1911 - 1947
Rank

Captain (1919)

Chief Warrant Officer (1947)
Unit 366th Infantry Regiment
Battles/wars World War I
Awards

Distinguished Service Cross
Croix de Guerre
Purple Heart
Mexican Service Medal
World War I Victory Medal

Army Commendation Medal

Aaron R. Fisher was a Lieutenant in the United States Army in World War I, and a recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross.

Fisher was born in 1892[2] at Lyles, Indiana. His father, Benjamin Fisher,[3] had served with the United States Colored Troops during the American Civil War,[4] and Aaron enlisted in the Army in 1911.[5] He had risen to the rank of Sergeant before deploying to Europe.[5] Fisher received a commission as a "Second Lieutenant of Infantry" dated 1 June 1918,[6] in the 366th Infantry Regiment of the 92nd Infantry Division.[5]

Fisher was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his "extraordinary heroism in action" in battle on 3 September 1918.[7] The citation reads :

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Aaron R. Fisher, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 366th Infantry Regiment, 92d Division, A.E.F., near Lesseux, France, 3 September 1918. Lieutenant Fisher showed exceptional bravery in action when his position was raided by a superior force of the enemy by directing his men and refusing to leave his position, although he was severely wounded. He and his men continued to fight the enemy until the latter were beaten off by counterattack.

Furthermore, since Fisher's stand was made in support of America's French allies, the French Army bestowed on him the Croix de Guerre with gold star,[1] acknowledging him as "an officer of admirable courage."[5]

Following the war, Black Officers who elected to stay in the service were given Warrant Officer rank as a matter of policy.[8] Fisher, however, was promoted to Captain in the United States Army Reserve. He was discharged as a commissioned officer on 17 March 1919, but re-enlisted as a First Sergeant.[4] Fisher continued to serve as an ROTC instructor, notably at Wilberforce University.[9][10] His students included Medal of Honor recipient John R. Fox.[8] Fisher retired as a chief warrant officer in 1947.[4][9]

After his retirement from the Army he lived in Xenia, Ohio and served as a civilian employee at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. In 1961, he received a certificate of service from Air Force Secretary Eugene M. Zuckert, honoring "Fifty Years of faithful Federal service."[11] Captain Fisher died 22 November 1985 Xenia, Greene County Ohio [12][13]

Notes

  1. 1 2 Orr, Larry. "Aaron Richard Fisher". Chattanooga, Tennessee: Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 203. Retrieved 11 March 2012.
  2. ↑ SSI gives dob as 14 May 1895
  3. ↑ Scott, Emmett J (1919). "XII". The American Negro in the World War. Retrieved 28 March 2012.
  4. 1 2 3 "Soldier noted for bravery in World War I". The Indianapolis Star. 2002. Retrieved 11 March 2012.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Biography display, "Indiana's Heroic Son."Indiana War Memorial Museum.
  6. ↑ "Aaron R. Fisher made Second Lieutenant of Infantry". Ohio Memory. Retrieved 11 March 2012.
  7. ↑ "Hall of Valor. Aaron R. Fisher". Retrieved 11 March 2012.
  8. 1 2 Harrod, Dennette A. (9 September 1992). "The 366th Infantry Regiment and Lt. John R. Fox". Retrieved 11 March 2012.
  9. 1 2 Colter, Dave (1982). "Aaron Fisher tribute fund letter, November 1982". Ohio Memory. Retrieved 11 March 2012.
  10. ↑ "A Proud History - A Bright Future. The Central State University ROTC Battalion has been proud to help develop the leaders of tomorrow.". Central State University. Retrieved 11 March 2012.
  11. ↑ "Certificate of Service". Ohio Memory. Retrieved 11 March 2012.
  12. ↑ Ohio Death Record
  13. ↑ Aaron Fisher at Find a grave

Awards

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