Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Richard
Philip P.
Klocko
POW (WWII)
February 26, 1915

–

April 19, 2011

Born:

Dunkirk

, 

New York

Home:

Dunkirk

, 

New York

Buried: 

West Point

, 

New York

Cemetery:

U.S. Military Academy Post Cemetery

Richard Klocko graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1937. In February 1943, while on a special mission over enemy lines, dropping messages to isolated units, he was taken a prisoner of war. For this special mission, General Klocko received the Silver Star from the commanding general of the 1st Armored Division. He remained a prisoner of war in Germany until April 1945. He retired in 1971 as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General.

Awards Received

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Action Date:

    November 15, 1967 – August 31, 1971
    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-445 (July 12, 1971)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Richard Philip P. Klocko (AFSN: 1327A/ASN: 0-20608), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Director, Defense Communications Agency, from 15 November 1967 to 31 August 1971. In this important assignment, the forceful leadership, exemplary foresight, and tireless efforts consistently demonstrated by General Klocko resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness and success of the Defense Communications Agency in fulfilling its worldwide responsibilities. The Defense Communications System embraces the management and operation of all long-haul communications resources of the Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. General Klocko personally directed the programming and implementation of strategic command and control communications systems of major national significance which are now providing for the National Command Authorities and the Department of Defense modern and sophisticated communications systems. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Klocko culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    350th Fighter Group

    Division:

    12th Air Force

    Action Date:

    February 24, 1943
    Headquarters, 1st Armored Division, General Orders No. 15 (March 3, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Richard Philip P. Klocko (ASN: 0-20608), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action as Pilot of a P-39 Airacobra Fighter Airplane and as Commanding Officer of the 350th Fighter Group, TWELFTH Air Force, in operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, in support of the 1st Armored Division. On 24 February 1943, Lieutenant Colonel Klocko distinguished himself in action against an armed enemy in North Africa. In the face of hostile air attack and heavy ground fire he dropped a message to trapped ground troops directing their escape attempt. This action resulted in the release of approximately 450 men and officers. The courage, bravery and complete disregard for personal welfare displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Klocko are deserving of the highest praise and reflect the finest traditions of the Armed Forces.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    September 1, 1962 – October 15, 1965
    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-285 (October 15, 1965)

    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 (Army Design) to Major General Richard Philip P. Klocko (AFSN: 1327A/ASN: 0-20608), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander, United States Air Force Security Service, from 1 September 1962 to 15 October 1965. Under General Klocko’s dynamic and forceful leadership, executive management, and initiative, the Air Force Security Service met or exceeded global commitments to provide strategic information indispensable to national security. During a period of continuing crises, General Klocko’s superb command ability, professional knowledge, and dedication to duty were responsible for major improvements in the responsiveness of his command to United States Air Force operations of vital interest to the United States. General Klocko’s significant accomplishments in this important assignment are in keeping with the highest standards of performance and traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    August 30, 1954 – June 15, 1956
    Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. 49 (August 17, 1956)

    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 Colonel Richard Philip P. Klocko (AFSN: 1327A/ASN: 0-20608), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations and later as Chief of Staff, Headquarters, United States Air Force Security Service, from 30 August 1954 to 15 June 1956. During this period, Colonel Klocko’s accomplishments have had a singular and lasting influence on the success of this Command’s mission and the security of the United States. His energetic application of proper techniques resulted in a phenomenal increase and more effective management of the numerous command activities. Through his outstanding display of professional knowledge, resolute direction of his functions and intense loyalty to the Command, Colonel Klocko has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    July 16, 1956 – August 12, 1960
    Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. 122 (October 25, 1961)

    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 Brigadier General Richard Philip P. Klocko (AFSN: 1327A/ASN: 0-20608), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, 6900th Security Wing, United States Air Force Security Service, from 16 July 1956 to 12 August 1960. During this period, General Klocko’s efforts have singularly influenced the development of the theater-wide organization and concept of operations for the mission of the United States Air Force Security Service in the European Theater. Through his technical knowledge, planning ability and dynamic leadership, General Klocko has reflected credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    November 1, 1965 – July 2, 1967
    Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. 247 (July 14, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Major General Richard Philip P. Klocko (AFSN: 1327A/ASN: 0-20608), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, U.S. Air Force Security Service from 1 November 1965 through 2 July 1967. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Klocko 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 (Germany)

    Action Date:

    February 24, 1943 – April 1945

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Richard Philip P. Klocko (AFSN: 1327A/ASN: 0-20608), United States Army Air Forces, was captured by the Germans in North Africa on 24 February 1943 while on a special mission over enemy lines, and was held as a Prisoner of War in Germany until his release in April 1945.