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Colonel (Air Corps) Richard Thomas King, Jr. (ASN: 0-19232), United States Army Air Forces, was captured by the Japanese after he was shot down on 3 December 1944, and was held as a prisoner of war until his release on 29 August 1945.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    500th Bombardment Group

    Division:

    20th Air Force

    Action Date:

    1944
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Richard Thomas King, Jr. (ASN: 0-19232), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 500th Bombardment Group, TWENTIETH Air Force, in 1944. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel King and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    500th Bombardment Group (VH)

    Division:

    20th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 20th Air Force, General Orders No. 63 (September 14, 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Thomas King, Jr. (ASN: 0-19232), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Command Pilot of a B-29 Very Heavy Bomber and as Commanding Officer of the 500th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy), TWENTIETH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel King, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.