Navy Federal Credit Union

Luther Richmond served as a P-51 Fighter Pilot in the Army Air Forces during World War II, where he was credited with destroying one enemy aircraft in aerial combat on the same day he was himself shot down, captured and interned as a Prisoner of War. Repatriated in May 1945, he transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1970 as a U.S. Air Force Major General.

Awards Received

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Luther H. Richmond (ASN: 0-24113), United States Air Force, was awarded the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Richmond and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    486th Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Luther H. Richmond (ASN: 0-24113), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 486th Fighter Squadron, EIGHTH Air Force, in action during 67 combat missions in the European Theater of Operations and the destruction of one enemy aircraft during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Force of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Luther H. Richmond (ASN: 0-24113), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Richmond and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    486th Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Luther H. Richmond (ASN: 0-24113), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 486th Fighter Squadron, EIGHTH Air Force, in action during 67 combat missions in the European Theater of Operations and the destruction of one enemy aircraft during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Force of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Luther H. Richmond (ASN: 0-24113), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Richmond and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War

    Action Date:

    April 15, 1944 – May 1945

    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 35619

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Luther H. Richmond (ASN: 0-24113), United States Army Air Forces, was captured by German forces after he was shot down on 15 April 1944, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his return to U.S. Military Control at the end of hostilities in May 1945.