James Edsel “Ed Risinger, MD – Headed West
James Edsel “Ed” Risinger, M.D., Headed West on June 17, 2015, at the age of 80, at home with his loving wife at his side. Born and raised in Texas, Ed served his country and fellow man for much of his life. In 1956, Ed joined the United States Air Force and served as an F-100 pilot. During the Vietnam War. Capt Risinger also flew 53 Misty Fast FAC Forward Air Control missions and over 235 F-100 close Air support missions. His decorations include the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Air Medal with 13 Oak Leaf Clusters.
After his Vietnam service, Ed returned to civilian life and attended medical school in San Antonio. He completed a Radiology residency in the United States Navy where he met the love of his life, a Navy Nurse, Juliette Mimi Schmid. He retired from the Navy in 1980 and moved back to Texas shortly after.
He retired from the Austin Radiological Association in 1999 and kept in close contact with his fellow F-100 pilots and found great joy in attending Misty F-100 pilot reunions. After retirement, he worked on writing down his Misty memories to pass on to the next generation and encouraged other Misty’s to do the same. This culminated in the book, “Misty” edited by Major General Don Shepperd, published in 2003.
He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, his son Ed and two grandchildren. Interment was held at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, TX.