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IN MEMORIAM
ROBERT B. RICHARD, COLONEL, USAF, 960A

This is in memory of Colonel Robert Bradford Richard. Bob was born in Tonopah, Nevada, 12 January 1907. His early school was in Visalia, California, where he graduated from high school in 1924. He attended the University of California, specializing in mechanical engineering. Aviation became interesting to him and he later attended Boeing School of Aeronautics where, in 1930, he received a degree in aeronautical engineering. While in college, Bob became a member of the ROTC where he received an Air Corps reserve commission. 

In 1930, Bob received an appointment as a flying cadet and completed his primary and basic flight training at Brooks Field, Texas. He was then transferred to Kelly Field where he graduated from advanced flying training school. He received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Reserve upon receipt of pilot wings in 1931.

After flying school Bob reverted to an old love, raising fruit in Visalia, California. He made this his home where, with his pretty wife, Ida Ruth, he fostered two splendid sons, Ray and Robert, Jr. 

In 1940, the world situation became so unsettled that Bob decided it was time to go back into uniform. He joined the 20th Pursuit Group at Moffett Field where he became Squadron Commander, remaining with the 20th Group until 1942. He later commanded the 58th Pursuit Group at Dale Mabry Field and was transferred overseas as Commanding Officer to the 1st Fighter Group to the European Theater, on 1 September 1943. Most of his fighting was done in the Mediterranean area where he remained until 15 November 1944. During his overseas tour of duty he was credited with 26 combat missions or a total of 100 combat hours for which he received, in addition to the normal theater service decorations, the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the DFC, the Legion of Merit and the World War II Victory Medal. 

Returning to the United States, he transferred to Bombers where he became in turn the Base S-3, Base S-4, Wing A-4, and Group Commanding Officer of various Heavy and Medium Bomber Units. 

Bob received his commission in the Regular Army as a Captain on 5 July 1946. He transferred to the Air Force in the grade of Colonel (permanent Lt. Colonel) on 30 June 1948. He received his command pilot wings on 29 June 1948, having completed something over 3200 flying hours. In July 1948, Bob became a student at the Air War College, graduating in 1949. He was assigned to the staff and faculty of the Air War College as an instructor in the Logistics and Technology Division, the office he held at the time of his unfortunate death. In addition to the Air War College, Bob graduated from the Senior Staff Officers' Course at Orlando, Florida, and the Personnel Management Course at Orlando, Florida. He participated in various maneuvers, the

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