Karl W. Richter

Karl Wendell Richter (October 4, 1942 – July 28, 1967) was an officer in the United States Air Force and an accomplished fighter pilot during the Vietnam War. At the age of 23 he was the youngest pilot in that conflict to shoot down a MiG in air-to-air combat.

Early career Karl W. Richter was born October 4, 1942, the youngest of three children. The family lived in Holly, Michigan, from where Karl also graduated high school. From a young age he was interested in aviation, helped by his sister Betty, and by 18 had developed into a highly skilled pilot. Encouraged, again by his sister, to apply to the United States Air Force Academy, he was nominated by Michigan Senator Philip Hart and Congressman William Broomfield, graduating June 3, 1964, with a commission as a second lieutenant in the Air Force.

Richter received his 53 weeks of Undergraduate Pilot Training at Craig Air Force Base, Alabama, then completed the 26-week Combat Crew Replacement Training at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, for qualification in the F-105 Thunderchief. Without any pre-overseas leave, he ferried a replacement F-105 directly to Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand on April 6, 1966, and was assigned to the 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron of the newly designated 388th Tactical Fighter Wing. Four days later he was flying missions over North Vietnam. In a later comment, Richter noted "...It's strange, but, in a way, I was happy he got a good chute. I guess that's the thought that runs through all our minds. He's a jock like I am, flying for the enemy of course, but he's flying a plane, doing a job he has to do."

Richter is buried at United States Air Force Academy Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Memorial

A statue of his likeness stands at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama, with the inscription:"Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Here am I. Send me." (Isaiah 6:8). The monument was sculpted by Glenna Goodacre and was dedicated on June 13, 1992.

A statue of his likeness stands on the Mall of Heroes at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado.

The former high School and campus in his hometown of Holly, Michigan is named after Richter and called "Karl Richter Campus. "

Awards and decorations

Other achievements 1969 Posthumously awarded the Air Force Academy's Jabara Award for airmanship 2005 Named class exemplar of the Academy's Class of 2008. The old high school in his hometown of Holly, Michigan was named in his honor.