Richard Kauffman graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1956. He retired as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.
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Richard Kauffman graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1956. He retired as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.
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 Major Richard Henry Kauffman, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an AC-130 Gunship Navigator over Laos on 2 March 1971. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission over some of the most heavily defended hostile supply routes in Southeast Asia, the infamous Ho Chi Minh Trail, he contributed immeasurably in a devastating attack which resulted in the damage or destruction of thirty-six hostile supply vehicles. Harassed at every point of the mission by accurate anti-aircraft fire and surface-to-air missiles, he continually placed the gunship over each target and programmed the Fire Control Computer for the most accurate attack possible. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Kauffman has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.