Richie Johnson
(9 MAY 1932, 11 AUG 1965)
Richie Johnson Eulogies
**********************
E - 1
1st Row: Nidever, Olive, McNair, Lapham (CO), Nordlie, Cathey, Keegan
2nd Row: Dugan, Burrus, Norm Smith
3rd Row: Daly, Strati, Muller
4th Row: Blahuta, Arthur
5th Row: Ralls, Hinrichs, Richie Johnson, Singer, Coleman
**********************
2nd Bn Staff, 1st Regt
Cathey, RD Johnson, Wiegand, Buchwald
**********************
|
Richie was stationed at Edwards AFB CA at the time of his death. He was assigned as a Flight Test Engineer, a 'Utilization' Tour following MS Aero training at Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Richie was on his way to the prestigious Naval Test Pilot School at Patuxent River Maryland NAS. He was killed during his U-8 Transition Training when he and his IP got into bad weather. He was a devoted husband to Carol and father to his children. He now rests in peace with the Lord. Richie and I were stationed at Edwards AFB CA at the time of Richie's death (AUG '65). Richie was assigned as a Flight Test Engineer, a 'Utilization' Tour following MS Aero training at Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He was killed during his U-8 Transition Training when he and his IP got into bad weather. Richie had the Complete Package: brains, ability and a tremendous 'can do' attitude. He was a devoted husband to Carol and father to his children. He now rests in peace with the Lord. Bill Welter August 18 (1998) The Good Lord works in mysterious ways,and it is not ours to question why events occur. The accident that ended Rich's life on earth deprived the the US Army, his family, and his friends of utilizing and enjoying the many talents,potential and personal character that he possessed. While his career was cut short, he served the Army and his country with distinction. Dan Ludwig (MAY 4 (1999) Richie's early death was a great loss to our class. He spent his first three years in E-1, the company next to ours and his first class year on the 2nd Battalion Staff. Richie was one of the most universally liked and respected members of the class ... the All-American Boy with a big grin, a smile and a friendly word to everyone. Richie was also one of the most versatile and talented athletes in our class. He carried himself with the grace and fluid moves of a natural athlete. Name the game, and he could compete at Corps Squad level. My memory says he was the leading scorer on a Soccer team full of talented players such as Willie Wix, Scottie Adams, and Woodie Black. He also played plebe basketball and baseball. We'll carry fond memories of Richie through all our days. James E. Drummond (MAY 6 (1999) Carl McNair reports that on (3 FEB 2005) Ft Rucker dedicated a Monument to all the Army Aviation personnel assigned to Flight Test units who have died in flight (28 five DAC's, one EM, five WO's and 17 commissioned) including '55's Richie Johnson. Richie was an Aerospace Engineer assigned to the Tri-Service V/STOL Test Activity at Edwards AFB CA. He was getting checked out in the U-(8 IP was Austin Veatch '50) and got caught in a violent Mojave Desert Thunderstorm on August 11 1965) . Viewing the wreckage, I was flying one of the Search Helicopters, it appeared that the U-8 hit the ground on a near-vertical flight path. August 11 (1965) was a sad day for '55. |
**********************
West Point 1955 Home Page
1955 Personal Web Pages