Aaron R. Fisher facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Aaron Richard Fisher
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| Born | May 14, 1895 Lyles, Indiana, United States |
| Died | November 22, 1985 (aged 90) Xenia, Ohio, United States |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army  |
| Years of service | 1911–1947 |
| Rank |  Captain Chief Warrant Officer (1947) |
| Unit | 366th Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards |  Distinguished Service Cross
 Army Commendation Medal |
Aaron Richard Fisher (May 14, 1895 – November 22, 1985) was a brave American soldier. He served in the U.S. Army for over 30 years, from 1911 to 1947. He earned many important military awards.
His most notable awards include the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart from the United States. He also received the Croix de Guerre with a gold star from France. These honors were given for his heroic actions during World War I. At that time, he was a second lieutenant.
After World War I, Fisher continued his service. He received a Army Commendation Medal for his work with the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) at Wilberforce University. He became a chief warrant officer in 1942. He retired from the military in 1947. He spent his later years working as a civilian at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Xenia, Ohio. He passed away in 1985 and is buried near Xenia.
Fisher joined the U.S. Army in 1911. He first served in the 9th Cavalry Regiment and the 24th Infantry Regiment. These were both African-American regiments, as the Army was segregated back then. During World War I, he was sent to France. There, he served in the 366th Infantry Regiment, part of the 92nd Infantry Division.
After the war, Fisher continued to advance in the Army. He served in many places, including Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, California, Hawaii, Mexico, and the Philippines. In 1936, he became an instructor for the ROTC at Wilberforce University. The cadets there often called him "Cap" or Captain Fisher. He retired from his military duties in 1947.
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Early Life and Education
Aaron Richard Fisher was born on May 14, 1895. His birthplace was Lyles Station, a community in Gibson County, Indiana. This community was known for its African-American residents. His parents were Macy Octiva (Barnhill) and Benjamin F. Fisher.
Aaron's father was a farmer. He had served in the U.S. Colored Troops during the American Civil War. Aaron's mother passed away when he was ten years old. His father later married Susan Lyles Lawrence.
Fisher went to public grade school in Lyles Station. He also attended Lincoln High School for two years. This was an all-black high school in Princeton, Indiana. After high school, he worked on his father's farm. He continued farming until he joined the U.S. Army in 1911.
Military Career Highlights
Starting His Army Journey
Fisher joined the U.S. Army on February 28, 1911. He enlisted at Jefferson Barracks in Saint Louis, Missouri. He then went for military training in Camp Sherman, Ohio, and Leon Springs, Texas.
He was first assigned to the 9th Cavalry Regiment. This was one of four African-American regiments in the U.S. Army at that time. Later, he transferred to the 24th Infantry Regiment, another African-American unit. He was promoted to corporal in 1914. By 1916, Fisher was performing guard duty in New Mexico and Mexico. He became a sergeant in 1916. When the United States entered World War I in early 1917, Fisher was serving with the 24th Infantry.
Fisher continued his service in the 366th Infantry Regiment. This regiment was part of the 92nd Infantry Division. This division was one of two black infantry divisions formed in 1917. Fisher attended a 90-day Officer Candidate School. He completed it in May 1918 at Fort Des Moines Provisional Army Officer Training School in Des Moines, Iowa. He was then sent to Europe on June 15, 1918.
Heroism in World War I
Fisher became a second lieutenant on June 1, 1918. He served with the 366th Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division. He earned the Distinguished Service Cross. This is the country's second-highest award for bravery. He received it for his "extraordinary heroism in action."
This brave act happened on September 3, 1918, in France. Fisher's unit was in the Saint Die sector. His award citation explains his actions:
The President of the United States of America... takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Aaron R. Fisher... for extraordinary heroism in action... 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.
Because Fisher's actions helped America's French allies, the French government honored him. They gave him the Croix de Guerre with a gold star on May 17, 1910. They called him "an officer of admirable courage." Fisher was wounded during this battle. He was later awarded the Purple Heart for his injuries.
Service After the War
After World War I, Fisher chose to stay in the U.S. Army. This meant he had to give up his officer's rank. He was discharged as an officer in March 1919. However, he immediately reenlisted as a first sergeant. He served with the 24th Infantry Regiment along the U.S.-Mexican border.
Black officers who stayed in the service often became warrant officers. Fisher was promoted to warrant officer in August 1921. He was also appointed as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve. He served as a reserve officer until 1947.
Fisher's duties took him to many places. He was at Fort Bliss, Texas, and attended Quartermaster School in Philadelphia. He continued serving in Arizona and New Mexico. He also spent three years in Hawaii at Schofield Barracks. Then, he had a two-year tour of duty in the Philippines. He returned to the United States in 1934.
On June 29, 1936, Fisher was assigned to the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) unit. This was at Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio. He stayed there as an instructor for eleven and a half years. One of his students was John R. Fox, who later received the Medal of Honor in World War II. Fisher was promoted to chief warrant officer in June 1942. However, the Wilberforce cadets still called him "Cap" for Captain Fisher. He retired from the military in 1947.
Later Years and Legacy
Around 1947, Fisher began to have health issues. He spent time in hospitals, which led to his retirement from the U.S. Army on December 31, 1947. Fisher spent his final years in Xenia, Ohio. He worked as a civilian employee at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
In 1961, Fisher received a special certificate. U.S. Air Force Secretary Eugene M. Zuckert honored him for "Fifty Years of faithful Federal service."
Fisher suffered from high blood pressure and blindness in his last years. He passed away on November 22, 1985, at the age of 90. He died in Xenia, Greene County, Ohio. Fisher is buried at Valley View Memorial Gardens near Xenia. His wife, Mary Myall Fisher (1905–1987), is buried beside him.
Awards and Tributes
- Distinguished Service Cross
- Purple Heart
- Army Commendation Medal (for his ROTC service at Wilberforce University)
- Croix de Guerre with gold star (France)
- Mexican Service Medal
- Victory Medal
- American Defense Service Medal
- American Campaign Medal
- World War II Victory Medal
In 1983, the Wilberforce ROTC alumni from the class of 1942 held a special tribute for Fisher. This gathering took place in Chicago, Illinois. His former students and military friends shared how he had been a role model for the cadets. Fisher was known for his "booming" voice and strict discipline. He also taught the cadets to be "tough and resilient." He helped them build a strong "esprit de corps," which means a sense of team spirit and pride.
