My Grandpa, the Ute Grad

In a week of family events, both highs and low, my grandfather was awarded his diploma from the U of U this morning. It wasn't just an honorary degree but after not being able to complete due to his service to our country, he lived an exemplary life and because of, officially graduated today. It was a nice honor for a great man. As well, I am always amazed at how recognized, honor, and respected he is. Of course me, my family and our community look on him with great respect, etc. But throughout the world when I meet people who know him and his story and tell me of the great man he is, I feel great pride for being able to be his grandchild.

Here is the story from ABC News in Salt Lake City.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - In 1951, just months before graduation, Bernard F. Fisher quit the University of Utah, giving up his studies for the cockpit of an Air Force jet fighter.
Commissioned to active duty from the university's Air Force ROTC cadet program, Fisher went off to Korea and never finished his fine arts degree - until now.
On Saturday, the University of Utah awarded Fisher his bachelor's degree, recognizing the retired colonel for his past academic achievements and a decorated career of military service.
Wrapped in a red leather, the diploma was presented to the 81-year-old Idahoan by Steven J. Ott, dean of the college of social and behavioral science.
Ott said Fisher is "a man the University of Utah is extremely proud to claim and call of its own."
The presentation was made in the Utah State Capitol's rotunda during the commissioning ceremony for Air Force cadets who have earned the rank of 2nd lieutenant in Detachment 850, the same unit in which Fisher served as a cadet.
"Congratulations, Col. Fisher. We are so proud of you," unit Cadet Maj. Mark West said after a long standing ovation for the new graduate. "We'll be sure to save you a seat in the alumni section at the next home football game."
Also Saturday, Detachment 850 awarded its first Col. Bernard F. Fisher Leadership Award to the top-graduating cadet.
Fisher's military service spanned both the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action beyond the call of duty for risking his life to save a fellow pilot shot down during fighting in the A Shau Valley in 1966.
Under heavy enemy fire, Fisher landed his Douglas A1E Skyraider on an airfield and pulled the down pilot into the plane. They escaped, although the plane was struck several times with bullets. Fisher's plane is now on display in the USAF Museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.
A San Bernardino, Calif., native, Fisher retired from the military to farm in Kuna, Idaho, where he and wife Realla raised six sons. Three sons attended Saturday's ceremonies.
"I'm really excited," said Brad Fisher, who lives next door to his father on the family farm. "I'm especially excited that he would be able to get his bachelor's, not an honorary degree. He was so close to finishing."
Fisher was a good father who spent a lot of time with his children and encouraged their educational aspirations.
"And he taught us to be patriotic," Brad Fisher said.
The diploma ceremony capped an emotional week for the Fisher family. Last Sunday, Realla Fisher died, Brad Fisher said. A funeral was held Wednesday and the family came to Utah on Friday.
"It's quite something," Fisher said of his degree. "I'll be very proud of it."
Fisher is also the author of the book, "Beyond the Call of Duty: The Story of an American Hero in Vietnam." It was published in 2004 by Salt Lake City-based Deseret Book.