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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Mary Hughes

Richard was the son of Felix Albert Hughes and Martha Larson Hughes, formerly of the Ames Plantation, Grand Junction, TN.
Richard graduated from Grand Junction HS in 1951 and attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN. He enlistedin the Air Force in January 1954, as an Aviation Cadet and was recognized because of his spirited motivation to fly and fight for his country in the air. This assignment allowed him to become an outstanding pilot with many accolades including a commendation from the 310th Strategic Aerospace Wing in 1962 and the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1967. Richard retired from the Air Force in 1981 as a Lt. Col. and currently resides in Groveport, OH.
The Distinguished Flying Cross award he received in 1987 came with a citation stating that Captain Hughes distinguished himself by participating in aerial flight as a pilot and combat crew member in Southeast Asia on 19 April 1967. On that date, while at the controls of a KC-135 tanker, Captain Hughes, without regard to personal safety, flew his unarmed aircraft over hostile territory in order to refuel four F-105 aircraft. The rendezvous and refueling were accomplished expertly. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Hughes reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.