Richard Malone Bigelow

LT. COL. RICHARD MALONE BIGELOW
USAFA Class of 1959 | "The First Class"

Richard "Dick" Bigelow was born Richard Alfred Malone Jr. in Ft. Monroe, Virginia. After being adopted by his stepfather, Eugene Bigelow, he carried the Bigelow name into history as a member of the historic first graduating class of the United States Air Force Academy in 1959. As a "pioneer" cadet in Squadron 7, Dick helped establish the traditions and standards of excellence that define the Academy today.

MILITARY SERVICE & COMBAT VALOR
Commissioned in 1959, Dick earned his pilot wings in June 1960. His 23-year career was defined by versatility and bravery, spanning the evolution of Cold War aerial refueling to high-stakes combat search and rescue (CSAR).

• Strategic Refueling: He began his flying career piloting KC-97 and KC-135 Stratotankers, providing the essential "lifeblood" to long-range bombers and fighters across the 509th, 7th, and 34th Air Refueling Squadrons.

• Combat Search and Rescue (1971–1972): At the height of the Vietnam War, Dick transitioned to one of the most dangerous roles in the Air Force: a combat rescue pilot. Flying the HH-53 "Super Jolly Green Giant" with the 40th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron out of Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, he flew perilous missions into hostile territory to retrieve downed airmen, a role requiring nerves of steel and immense piloting skill.

• Global Rescue Operations: His dedication to the rescue mission continued after Vietnam, serving with the 76th ARRS in Hawaii (1973–1975), where he provided critical recovery capabilities across the Pacific.

• Titan Missile Command: In his final assignment, Lt. Col. Bigelow served as the 390th Titan Missile Maintenance Commander at Davis-Monthan AFB, overseeing the readiness of the nation's most powerful ICBMs during the height of the Cold War.

DECORATIONS OF VALOR:
• Distinguished Flying Cross
• Meritorious Service Medal
• Air Medal (with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters)
• Air Force Commendation Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters)

LIFE BEYOND THE BLUE
Following his retirement in 1982, Dick continued in serving his community in Tucson, Arizona. He worked at the DM Credit Union and became a fixture in local youth sports. As a founder of the Santa Rita High School Booster Club, he was frequently found with a hammer in hand, personally constructing the snack bar and dugouts to ensure the next generation had a place to play. He led by example.

A devoted family man, Dick spent 51 years with his wife, Bea. He was an avid fan of the Atlanta Falcons and Braves, and he cherished time spent with his three children (Rich, Art, and Carolyn) and eight grandchildren. He is remembered by his classmates and family as a man of quiet strength, technical expertise, and an unwavering commitment to the "Long Blue Line."

Dick Bigelow lived the Academy’s core values long after he hung up his flight suit—serving his country with valor and his community with a humble, helping hand.