During his basic training in early 1963, Bill volunteered for Pararescue.

Because of their larger size, HH-53s also carried a second pararescue specialist.

It performed pararescue training and search and rescue missions as well.

Twenty-four have been awarded to enlisted personnel, including 12 pararescue jumpers.

The Vietnam War was a pivotal conflict for the Pararescue teams.

However, it was another two decades before technology and necessity helped to create what would eventually become Air Force Pararescue.

A mission earlier in 1947 was the final impetus for the formal creation of Air Force Pararescue.

The Air Force's scope of operations became so large that demand for Pararescue teams expanded as well.

The 56th was the last squadron in the Air Force to split its pararescue and flying functions into two squadrons.

Still, the Pentagon recognizes that maintaining the 106th's unique pararescue training mission is more valuable than the savings to be gained from closing the base.

The pilot was recovered six hours later by a USAF pararescue team.

It trains, equips and employs combat-ready pararescue specialists.

His actions earned him the Bronze Star and made him another of Pararescue's early legends.

The audience included battle survivors, hundreds of pararescue airmen, a congressional representative and the Air Force chief of staff.

According to some sources, he is the father of the Pararescue tradition of getting tattoos of green footprints on one's buttocks.

The Pararescue Association.

He completed the very difficult qualifying requirements and was one of the first group of airmen to qualify for Pararescue right out of basic training.

In March 1966, Fisk enlisted in the Air Force and was accepted for pararescue training.

Because of his experience working with and deploying Canadian pararescue personnel, Hugh was also assigned to the team forming the helicopter rescue swimmer program.

Each team was to be composed of a Para-doctor and four Pararescue technicians trained in medicine, survival, rescue and tactics.

It also provided pararescue training and, operational test and evaluation of materiel, and performed local search and rescue missions.

Members of Navy Seals, Air Force Pararescue and Special Forces groups also do workouts.

Although parachute rescues were not officially authorized at the time, this is considered by PJs to be the birth of Air Force pararescue.

The squadron consists of pararescue and support personnel, utilizing the helicopter and transport assets of the 129th Rescue Wing.

Training of Pararescue personnel after the war years was mainly conducted from the old North West Air Command site in Edmonton.