Gene C. Richards
Bio
Gene C. Richards grew up in Texas in a military family with ten siblings, six of whom, including his twin brother, joined the Armed Forces. In 1950, he received his draft notice and began training at Camp Chaffee, then continued fire direction training at Ft. Sill, OK. After completing basic training and leadership school, he returned to Ft. Sill and entered the Army’s Artillery Officers’ Candidate School. Confident he would be sent to Korea due to a shortage of junior officers, he arrived in Pusan on October 18, 1952, and was deployed to the front lines near Pork Chop Hill. While in Korea, he flew 219 artillery missions as an air observer in the Cessna L-19s. He currently serves as the President of the 7th Infantry Division Association.
Video Clips
Going Home
Gene C. Richards recalls returning home just before the ceasefire and describes Seoul as devastated, far from the thriving city it is today. He notes that much of Korea consisted of agricultural villages rather than urban areas. Before leaving, he had the chance to meet his twin brother one last time at Camp Drake, Japan.
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Satisfaction for the Sacrifice
Gene C. Richards reflects on South Korea's dramatic transformation since his service, noting that many of the places where he served no longer exist. He feels proud of his role in the country's history and is amazed by its success today. Witnessing South Korea's embrace of democracy has provided him and fellow soldiers with a sense of closure for their sacrifices.
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One Mission Shy of 220
Gene C. Richards earned four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters and an Air Medal, just one mission shy of his fifth. Determined to complete the final mission, he was persuaded at the last minute not to go, as he was rotating home the next day. He is now grateful for that decision, as the plane he would have been on was shot down.
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First Impressions of Korea
After completing officers' training, Gene C. Richards was sent to Japan and then to Pusan. He describes the city as desolate and heavily damaged by the war. He recalls everyone with a sense of fear about the unknown ahead. Upon arrival at the 8th Army Replacement Depot near Seoul, he learned he was assigned to the 7th Infantry Division.
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