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COLONEL ROLAND L. RICHARDSON, USAF (RET) Army Air Corps and AVG "Flying Tiger Communications Technician/Radio Operator: Following the disestablishment of the AVG, Colonel Richardson volunteered to remain in China with Chennault to further develop communications systems for the China Air Task Force and the expanding role of the USAAF. Promoted directly from sergeant to 1stLieutenant, he was assigned to the fledging 75th Fighter Squadron as the unit's communications officer. Upon his return to the U.S. , Richardson was selected to pilot training. After flight training, Richardson became a test pilot at Army Air Force's combat development center at Eglin Field, Florida. Following the War, Richardson would go from test flying operational aircraft to flying air transports. During the Vietnam War, Richardson flew Lockheed C-130 transports throughout Southeast Asia. Initially flying as a squadron commander, Richardson ended his Vietnam service as the vice-commander of a C-130 wing. Richardson retired from the Air Force as a full Colonel in command of a C-130 tactical airlift wing. |
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