An official website of the United States Government 
Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov

.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Sports Heroes Who Served: Marine Discovers Hidden Talent as an Expert Marksman

You have accessed part of a historical collection on defense.gov. Some of the information contained within may be outdated and links may not function. Please contact the DOD Webmaster with any questions.

Sports Heroes Who Served is a series that highlights the accomplishments of athletes who served in the U.S. military.


Morris "Bud" Fisher, a native of Youngstown, Ohio, enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1911 at the age of 21. He had never had a passion for firearms or shooting, but fortunately, his drill instructor recognized talent when he qualified with an exceptionally high score on the rifle range.

A Marine poses for a photo.
Morris Fisher
Morris Fisher poses in his shooting jacket.
Photo By: Marine Corps
VIRIN: 240927-O-D0439-004


Fisher was encouraged by his command to join the elite Marine Corps shooting team, which he did in 1912.

That decision resulted in Fisher competing in the VII Olympiad and bringing home the gold for America.

In 1920 in Antwerp, Belgium, Fisher took Olympic gold in the 300 meter free rifle, three positions; a gold medal in the team free rifle; and a third gold medal in the 300 meter military rifle, prone.

A Marine holds a rifle and target.
Morris Fisher
Morris Fisher holds his rifle and target he shot at 300 meters away, Sept. 27, 1923.
Photo By: Library of Congress
VIRIN: 230927-O-D0439-001M
A Marine stands with a rifle.
Morris Fisher
Morris Fisher at Reims, France, during Olympic competition in 1924.
Photo By: Marine Corps
VIRIN: 240927-O-D0439-001
A Marine stands with a rifle.
Morris Fisher
Morris Fisher holds his rifle.
Photo By: Marine Corps
VIRIN: 240927-O-D0439-003M


In 1924 in Paris, France, he won Olympic gold in the 600 meter free rifle and another gold medal in the team free rifle.
He also won six world championships and set five world shooting records.

Fisher stayed in the Marine Corps, retiring as a gunnery sergeant in 1941, with 30 years of service.

The following year, he was recalled to active duty, as America entered World War II. He went to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina, where he served as a rifle coach. He stayed in the Corps until 1946.

Marines pose for a photo.
Group Photo
Morris Fisher, bottom row, far left, poses with the Marine Corps shooting team.
Photo By: Marine Corps
VIRIN: 240927-O-D0439-005M
A Marine kneels with a rifle.
Morris Fisher
Morris Fisher demonstrates the kneeling shooting position.
Photo By: Marine Corps
VIRIN: 240927-O-D0439-002M


Fisher wrote two books in 1940: "Mastering the Pistol and Revolver" and "Mastering the Rifle."

Fisher's son, William, joined the Marine Corps as an officer. He was killed during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945.

After Marine Corps life, Fisher settled in La Jolla, California, and he later lived in Honolulu, Hawaii. He died in 1968 at age 78 and is buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California.

More Sports Heroes Who Served
sports graphic
Sports Heroes Graphic
Sports Heroes Who Served graphic - with title
Photo By: DOD
VIRIN: 200706-D-ZZ999-903

Related Stories