Richard Waugh graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1936. He died in 1945 as a U.S. Army Air Forces Colonel.
–
Born:
,
Home:
,
Buried:
,
Cemetery:
Richard Waugh graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1936. He died in 1945 as a U.S. Army Air Forces Colonel.
Service:
Rank:
Regiment:
Division:
Action Date:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) Richard Rawlins Waugh (ASN: 0-20124), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber and as Commanding Officer of the 2d Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, on 16 March 1945. Colonel Waugh led a wing formation on a bombing mission against a vital oil installation in Austria. Despite severe and adverse weather conditions which required last minute changes in the briefed procedure, Colonel Waugh, by his excellent judgment and outstanding leadership, brought the wing formation directly to the target area. On the bombing run his aircraft was seriously damaged by intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire which wounded one crew member. Despite the crippled condition of his aircraft, Colonel Waugh and his pilot struggled to hold the lead position and gallantly led the formation over the target for a highly successful bombing run inflicting grave damage to vital enemy installations. After bombs away Colonel Waugh’s aircraft suffered additional serious damages and was forced to leave formation. Instructing the deputy commander to take over the formation, Colonel Waugh set course for the Russian lines despite the fact that his aircraft was rapidly losing altitude. Forced to crash land in a field in Hungary under extremely difficult conditions, Colonel Waugh, displaying outstanding airmanship and determination, brought his aircraft down safely without further injury to the crew. By his conspicuous gallantly, professional skill, courageous leadership, and intense devotion to duty, evidenced throughout his combat career, Colonel Waugh has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.