Luther H. Richmond

Luther Henry Richmond (December 13, 1915 – June 27, 2003) was an American Air Force major general and a World War II fighter pilot. During World War II, he flew P-51 Mustangs and P-47 Thunderbolts with the 486th Fighter Squadron in Europe before being shot down in 1944 and captured as a prisoner of war until the end of World War II.

Early life Born in Chicopee, Massachusetts, in 1915, Richmond completed his education at Springfield Technical High School in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1933. He later earned his degree in economics from American International College in 1938.

Military career In July 1938, Richmond joined the United States Army Air Corps aviation cadet program. After graduating the following year, he received his wings and commission as a second lieutenant. His first posting was as a flight instructor at Randolph Field, Texas. In 1941, he was transferred to Foster Field, Texas, where he served first as a training group commander and later as director of flying training. He died of cancer at the age of 87,

Awards and decorations Richmond's military decorations and awards include: