Navy Federal Credit Union

Richard Klass graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, Class of 1962. He retired in 1980 as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    August 28, 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Richard Leo Klass, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller with the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action in Southeast Asia on 28 August 1967. On that date, Captain Klass flew in support of a Special Forces patrol which was in heavy contact with a numerically superior hostile force. In spite of adverse weather conditions and heavy hostile ground fire, Captain Klass made numerous low passes to determine the location of the hostiles and direct tactical air power to free the friendly forcers. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Klass reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    20th Tactical Air Support Squadron

    Division:

    DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam

    Action Date:

    December 25, 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Richard Leo Klass, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as a Forward Air Controller with the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action near A Shau, Republic of Vietnam, on 25 December 1967. On that date, Captain Klass volunteered to fly into A Shau Valley to determine the weather so that a rescue operation could be launched. Despite the very low ceilings in the valley and the ground fire he was receiving from heavy ground fire, Captain Klass made two passes through the valley searching for the downed airmen until his aircraft was hit by hostile foreign-made anti-aircraft fire. Although he was bleeding profusely from a wound in his neck, he radioed information to the rescue aircraft which expedited the evacuation of the downed airmen. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Klass has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.