He was inducted into the Army on 1-24-1944. He served with the 82th Chemical Mortar Battalion in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre of Operations as a member of a 42 inch mortar crew. He drove a truck of shells from ammunition dumps and distributed them to the mortar crews. He returned to the United States on 1-13-1946. The reason for leaving the Asiatic Pacific was demobilization.

Richard served his country proudly and was awarded with decorations and citations. He received a World War II Victory Ribbon, a Good Conduct Medal, an American Theater Ribbon, a AP Theater Ribbon , a Philippine Liberation Ribbon and a Bronze Star .

Richard was missed greatly by his wife and five children while he was away. Richard made alot of sacrifices for his country by leaving his family and home, but he did his duty to our great nation by helping to defend our country during war time.