Cowell, Richard J. – KIA
Richard John Cowell - KIA
Headed West: March 9, 1970
Hometown: Lemoore, CA
Richard John Cowell enlisted in the USAF and was assigned as a pilot to the 615th Tactical Fighter Squadron/35th Tactical Fighter Wing/7th Air Force out of Phan Range AB, Vietnam.
On June 13, 1967, Capt Cowell's F-100D #56-3384 was hit by anti-aircraft artillery 21 miles West of Kam Duc. He was recovered and pronounced dead at Chu Lai Airbase of wounds received in action.
Richard is buried at Long Island National Cemetery, East Farmingdale, Suffolk County, New York. This is a National American Cemetery administered through the Department of Veteran's Affairs. He is also memorialized on the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in Washington DC. Name inscribed at VVM Wall, Panel 13w, Line 102.
Sources: Honorstates.org;vvfm.org; coffeltdatabase.com; findagrave.com
1967 615th Tactical Fighter Squadron/35th Tactical Fighter Wing/7th Air Force out of Phan Range AB, Vietnam (F-100D)
Distinguished Flying Cross
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Air Force Presidential Unit Citation
Air Force Good Conduct Medal
Vietnam Gallantry Cross
United States Aviator Badge Air Force
F-100D