Foil: 17 Panel: 1 Column: 3 Line: 98

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
The Children & Grandchildren

Richard Hall Klingensmith enlisted in the Army Air Corps on Oct. 21, 1941, and was assigned to Keesler Field, MS, for basic training. He graduated from Radio School at Scott Field, IL, and from Radar school in West Palm Beach. As one of "the twelve radiomen" assigned to the First Depot Repair Squadron, First Air Depot Group, A.P.O. 825, he arrived in Panama in early June, 1942. He installed crucial IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) equipment on several types and models of aircraft, and did test flights prior to returning the planes to their squadrons or other operators. In December, 1944, Richard's squadron returned to Brooklyn, NY, and was sent to Camp Shanks. They were assigned to Randolph Field, TX, to await their 30 day furlough home. Allowed to choose the base nearest home for reassignment, Richard selected Wright Field in Dayton, OH, where he remained until his discharge in December, 1945. He volunteered for a second enlistment during the Korean Conflict (Wright Field Reserve Unit), but was never called up. Richard's ongoing love of aircraft and flight led him to earn his private pilot's license and he flew small aircraft as a hobby for several years. On August 18, 1945, he wed Betty Marie Balon. They were married nearly 57 years and had five children and three grandchildren before her death in March, 2002. Richard Hall Klingensmith currently resides in Wilmington, OH. \