THE WALL OF FACES

You are one of many heros that served from Hamburg. You gave your life so others could live and for a Country that was in turmoil during this period. You will not be forgotten by those of us that served in Vietnam. You are a credit to this Country.

As a USAF Aircraft Control & Warning Operator in the '60s, I found your story an interesting one. I believe your actions that morning saved those 7 men, while the other 11 men perished. The MOH, I believe, would have been awarded to you, except for the secret nature of your radar site, Lima Site 85. May you be resting in peace.

Richard was born in Hamburg and was a member of First United Church of Christ there. He graduated from Hamburg High School in 1951, where he played varsity basketball. He joined the Air Force that same year and was planning to make it his career.
Trained as a radar specialist, Richard was serving his third tour of duty in Southeast Asia. He was aboard a helicopter flying into Laos to man a radar station when the helicopter crashed. There were only two survivors, Richard and his Captain. That night, the installation was overrun by Viet Cong and Richard had to hold them off alone after the Captain was seriously wounded. In the morning, a rescue helicopter came and the Captain pleaded with Richard to save himself. Richard dragged the officer to the helicopter and managed to get him in. Richard was mortally wounded by Viet Cong fire while pulling himself aboard. The Captain survived.
Richard was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
Surviving at the time were his wife, Catherine, two sons, his mother, father, and one brother.
He was in Vietnam five months.
He was 35 years old.

From the Berks County Vietnam Memorial dedication booklet.