Colonel Joseph F. Richter

April 3, 1921--April 28, 2000

Col. Joseph F Richter was born 3 April 1921. He was one of eleven children born to Otilla and Frank Richter. Joe enlisted in the Army in Sept of 1942. After basic training he was sent to Ft. Rucker, Dothan, AL.

He applied for pilot training, was accepted and received his wings at Freeman Field, Seymour, IN class of 7 Jan. 1944. Joe received his crew Avon Park Bombing Range, Avon Park, Fl. There they trained in B-17s before being sent overseas.

In August 1944 he was assigned to the 19th Bomb Group, Foggie, Italy. He flew numerous missions over Europe. He returned to the US in Oct. 1945 and was assigned to Lockbourne AFB, Columbus, Ohio as an instructor pilot.

In 1946 he was assigned to Air Material Command, Wright Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio, stationed at 802 Spec. Depot, Chicago, Il.

He returned to Wright Patterson AFB in 1949. Sent to Agana, Guam, Joe flew B-17s for Air Sea Rescue.

He returned to the States in Dec of 1951 when he was sent to Westover AFB, Mass where he ferried all types of aircraft to Europe.

In 1953 he was assigned to Randolph AFB, San Antonio, TX for B-29 Trans training. Following this, he went to West Palm Beach. FL for KC-97 training.

In July of 1953 he reported to Smokey Hill AFB, Salina, KS to the 40th Bomb Wing where he was assigned to the 40th ARS flying KC 97 tankers.

Col. Richter completed B-47 training at McConnell AFB, KS.

He was assigned to the 44th Bomb Sqd in the 40th Bomb Wing. Joe received his Command Pilot Wings on 16 Jan, 1959 and he was transferred to the 45th Bomb Squadron as Squadron Commander. He was with the 45th Bomb Sqd from 1960--1962.

From Forbes AFB, Topeka, KS Col. Richter attended Air War College at Maxwell AFB, Montgomery, AL. He graduated in 1965.

He was then assigned to Minot AFB, N. Dak as Aircraft Maintenance Staff Officer.

He was promoted to Colonel in 1966.

In Jan 1967 he attended B-52 school at Castle AFB, Ca. From Forbes, Col. Richter was assigned to TAC at Yokota AFB, Japan where he was DCM from 1968-1970.

He returned to the States in Nov. 1970. He was assigned to 416th Supply Squadron, SAC, Griffiss AFB, Rome, NY as Chief of Supply for the tri area of New York.

Col. Richter retired from Griffiss AFB, Rome, NY on 1 March 1974, having completed 31 and a half yrs in the US Air Force.

During his years of military service he was awarded numerous medals and decorations.

After his retirement Col. Richter completed his degree in Business Administration and got his real estate license.

Col. Richter married Patricia J. Prose on 11 June 1944. They have three children; Mary, Joe and Jim, and five grandchildren. Joe was a quiet man, who loved to spend time with his family. He was always ready to help those in need. Joe went to be with Our Lord on 28 April, 2000. He is sorely missed.