Lt. Col. Richard L Friesz USAF

It is an honor and pleasure to submit my father (on behalf of my family), Lt. Colonel Richard Louis Friesz (USAF) - everyone called him "Dick," for consideration for the "Wall of Honor" at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Born in Omaha Nebraska on September 13th, 1920, Lt. Colonel Friesz enlisted in the Army Air Corp September 13th,1942 and was sworn in at Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska on October 7th 1942. He reported for active duty January 30th,1943 and was assigned to Flight "C" School Squadron 1167, at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. On February 26th, 1943, he was sent to the University of Missouri for college training (aircrew) with Squadron "B" of the 307th College Training Detachment. Upon completion, he was transferred to the San Antonio Aviation Cadet Classification Center, reporting on June 13th, 1943. After being classified for pilot training, he was assigned to Class "44E" at Garner Field, Uvalde, Texas for primary flight training in PT-19's. Cadet Friesz was then sent to Waco, Texas for basic training in BT-13's and received advanced training in AT-6's at Moore Field, Mission, Texas. He completed advanced training and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. on May 23rd, 1944. Lt. Colonel Friesz served in the Army Air Corp (USAF) from September 13, 1942 (Omaha, Neb) until his retirement June 30, 1977 (from Langley Air Force Base, Hampton Va.).

Lt. Colonel Friesz had a long and distinguished career in the Air Force serving in three wars: WWII, Korean, and Viet Nam flying in both WWII, the Korean War and later with the Air Defense Command when stationed in Japan. He was made Sr. Pilot in March 1954 and Command Pilot in May, 1959. The attached picture taken at Irumagawa Airdrome, Okinawa in November 1945 shows 2nd Lt. Friesz's name under the canopy of the P-51D as the pilot and SSgt L. E. Lenfert as Crew Chief. The plane (serial number 44-6406) actually had two names: "Pamela Joy" named after his firstborn and "Dear John" which was a request by SSgt Lenfert who had received a "Dear John" letter from his stateside girlfriend. A Japanese flag is painted under the canopy which indicates one victory. It is said that this was a victory over a seaplane, shot down on a volunteer mission conducted by Lt. Friesz and another squadron pilot. The individual aircraft record card is on file with the Air Force Historical Research Agency and states that the aircraft was built in Inglewood, California and accepted by the Army Air Corp on December 15th, 1944. It departed the U.S. on February 15th, 1945 for the Far East Air Force (FEAF) where it remained in-service until September 22nd, 1947, when it was "terminated."

May I also honor my mother Delores Margaret (Bee) Friesz, born in Omaha, Nebraska November 13, 1920. As Dad flew on many missions, especially TDY, and served tours of duty overseas, Mom raised five children, often transferring back and forth, from England, to Germany, back to England, then Japan and also at many Air Force Bases stateside to include Hawaii. Once, while we were awaiting housing in England, all of us squeezed into a small trailer at the end of the runway. As military family children, we had the advantage of many travel adventures, made life-long friends, and have cherished memories of our experiences. Dick and Bee were married December 31st, 1941, and our family celebrated their 50th December 31, 1991. Unfortunately, Dad had Parkinson and passed away September 16th, 1998, never once complaining and living each day with his quick wit, stellar courage, and as a true warrior "fighting a battle on land as he had done in the air." Mom passed away August 17, 2016, and during our time with her after Dad's death, we enjoyed many conversations and laughs about our lives with Dad. My parents are buried at the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, VA.

Lt. Colonel Friesz received the following (16) Medals and (3) Ribbons:
Airmans Medal
Bronze Star
Purple Heart (May 1, 1945)
Meritorious Service Medal - (1 Oak Leaf Cluster)
Air Medal
Air Force Commendation - (2 Oak Leaf Clusters)
Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asia Pacific Campaign Medal - (7 Battle Stars)
WWII Victory Medal
National Defense Medal - (1 Battle Star)
Korean Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal - (2 Battle Stars)
Armed Forces Reserve Medal
U.N. Korean Service Medal
ROK War Service Medal
Air Force Longevity Ribbon - (6 Oak Leaf Clusters)
Small Arms Expert Ribbon
Philippine Liberation Ribbon - (1 Battle Star)

Lt. Colonel Friesz served in the following Squadrons:
39th Fighter Squadron
35th Fighter Group
360th Service Squadron
59th F.I. Squadron
339th F. I. Squadron
6114 T. T. Squadron
499th Bomb Squadron
19th TAC Recon Squadron
4500th Air Base Wing
1st Tactical Fighter Wing

Lt. Colonel Friesz Aircraft Flown:
PT-19
BT-13
AT-6
P-40
P-47
P-51
AT-ll
C-46
C-47
T-33
F-94
A-26
B-57
B-66