Richard Paul Guidroz

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose Andres "Andy" Chaonc on August 29, 2004:

Richard Paul Guidroz Born December 3, 1928 - Died February 17, 1971 Richard Paul "Dick" Guidroz was born in Missouri on 3 December 1928 and was appointed to West Point from Louisiana from his Congressional District. His West Point classmates recall: "Dick came to us from the Bayous of Louisiana. Besides hunting and fishing, he was known to do a bit of extracurricular walking. Admiration for Prince Charles and a desire for a place with the right 'atmosphere' aid in identification. In the future look for him in that convertible that just sped by or that jet that buzzed you. Whatever it is, it will be a pleasure to be with him again." During his cadet days Dick went out for Fencing and Track plebe year; for Boxing and was a Mule Rider first class year; was with the Fishing Club yearling, cow and first class years; with the Spanish Club plebe, yearling and cow years; and a clean sleever first class year. Upon graduation Dick went in the Air Force and after flying training reported to the 4th Flight Wing in Korea where he served from 1952 to 1953 and was decorated with two Distinguished Flying Crosses for distinguished heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight and three Air Medals for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight. In 1961, Dick was assigned to the 417th Tactical Fighter Squadron where he served until 1962 then he went to Headquarters, Air Force Europe where he served until 1963. In 1964, Dick earned a Master's degree in Business Administration from George Washington University while attending the Air Command and Staff College. Next Dick went to the 4456th Combat Crew Training Squadron from 1964 to 1966 and then to Military Assistance Command, Vietnam where he served until 1967 and was decorated with a third Distinguished Flying Cross for distinguished heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against an enemy and two additional Air Medals for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight. In 1969 Dick was appointed Commanding Officer of the 4456th Combat Crew Training Squadron, where he had served previously; and served until his accidental death in Wilcox, Arizona on 17 February 1971. Dick was a Lieutenant Colonel at the time of his premature death. Click to find out what makes Fly Boys tick Air Force Values ufa

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