Foil: 14 Panel: Retired United Pilots Association Column: 1 Line: 15

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

Richard was born into an aviation family. Both father and uncle were WWI pilots. As children our respective families took us to Cleveland Hopkins airport to watch the planes landing and taking off.
At age 10, he told me he was going to be a United Airlines pilot. He soloed on his 16th birthday.
After his discharge from the Marines in 1957, the GI Bill was used to get multi-engine, instrument, commercial, instructor and helicopter licenses. Upon furlough for Hawaiian Airlines, he went to work for Aloha Airlines. At 25 he was believed to be the youngest pilot in the U.S. Due to seasonal furloughs in 1961, he sought permanent employment.
United Airlines hired him March 6, 1961. A dream was fulfilled.