As an Army enlisted man during the Korean War, Thomas Richards received the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Bronze Star for Valor and two Purple Hearts. Discharged after the war, he was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force through the ROTC Program at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, and served as a pilot during the Vietnam War, earning two Silver Stars. He retired as a U.S. Air Force General on September 30, 1989, and subsequently served as an Administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration from 1992 to 1993.
Sponsored by:
Thomas
C.
Richards
February 13, 1930
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Awards Received
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Brigadier GeneralDivision:
U.S. Air Force Academy, ColoradoAction Date:
March 20, 1978 – January 31, 1981
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Thomas C. Richards (AFSN: 0-57893), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Richards distinguished himself as Commandant of Cadets, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado, from 20 March 1978 to 31 January 1981. In this important assignment, General Richards was the pivotal figure in forming and implementing significant improvements in the Academy’s training curriculum. His accent on motivational, aviation-oriented programs, and an integrated approach to military training greatly enhanced the quality of the Academy Experience. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Richards reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to General Thomas C. Richards (AFSN: 0-57893), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Richards and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to General Thomas C. Richards (AFSN: 0-57893), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Richards and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorRegiment:
56th Air Commando WingDivision:
Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
February 8, 1968
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Oder G-3019 (October 4, 1968)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Thomas C. Richards (AFSN: 0-57893), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a Forward Air Controller of the 56th Air Commando Wing, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 25 May 1968. On that date, while piloting an O-1 aircraft, Major Richards executed a visual reconnaissance mission over a heavily defended hostile gun position. Encountering a pair of large field guns and their supporting units, Major Richards immediately attacked them with his smoke rockets. Sustaining three hits on his first pass, his fierce attack disrupted the gunners’ accuracy while destroying two guns, two trucks and the ammunition in the position. Major Richards’ daring attack not only deprived the hostile forces of the weapons and material but seriously damaged their morale while inspiring the friendly units and relieving them of the bombardment they had been receiving from the guns. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Richards has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
GeneralAction Date:
November 1986 – September 1989
Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to General Thomas C. Richards (AFSN: 0-57893), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Deputy Commander in Chief, Headquarters United States European Command, from November 1986 to September 1989. General Richards occupied a position of immense responsibility during a most critical period of transition for United States Forces in Europe and Africa. His perceptive direction of theater nuclear and conventional force planning contributed immeasurably to force modernization, security, and survivability. His relentless commitment to excellence and inspiring leadership in the multi-billion dollar security assistance program led to improved cooperation between United States forces and allies and increased industrial and military readiness of recipient countries. General Richards skillfully directed the planning and implementation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, and he provided visionary and incisive guidance to the European Command Staff for the conduct of Conventional Armed Forces in Europe negotiations. Under his personal direction, important advances were made in every functional area of the command’s responsibilities. The distinctive accomplishments of General Richards culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Major Thomas C. Richards (AFSN: 0-57893), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Forward Air Controller of the 56th Air Commando Wing, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia in 1968. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorRegiment:
56th Air Commando WingDivision:
Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
May 25, 1968
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major Thomas C. Richards (AFSN: 0-57893), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a Forward Air Controller of the 56th Air Commando Wing, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 25 May 1968. On that date, Major Richards discovered a large and extremely heavily defended hostile supply and trans-shipment complex. Unable to obtain strike aircraft initially, he elected to attack the target with his marking ordnance. During the course of his flight, Major Richards’ aircraft sustained battle damage, however, he elected to remain at the scene and when strike resources did arrive he directed the attack. Through his efficient and dedicated efforts, the hostile forces were denied the use of these needed supplies. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Major Richards has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.