Richard Dean Lee

LIEUTENANT COLONEL RICHARD DEAN LEE
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Dean Lee was a distinguished combat pilot, an elite tactician, and a proud member of the historic First Class to graduate from the United States Air Force Academy in 1959. Hailing from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Dick entered the nascent Academy in July 1955. As part of Cadet Squadron 1, he helped lay the foundational traditions of the Cadet Wing, graduating on June 3, 1955, with a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

EARLY CAREER AND TACTICAL TRAINING
Following graduation, Lt. Lee immediately entered Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT), earning his wings through the programs at Mission, Texas, and Craig Air Force Base, Alabama, between 1959 and 1960. Displaying an early aptitude for fighter aircraft operations, he was assigned to Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, from 1961 to 1962. After graduating from Squadron Officer School (SOS) in 1962, he transitioned to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, in 1963, where he checked out in the formidable Republic F-105 Thunderchief—the supersonic fighter-bomber that would define his combat legacy.

In 1965, Captain Lee was stationed overseas with the 7th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, West Germany. There, he honed his tactical skills in the European theater before the intensifying conflict in Southeast Asia called him to the front lines.

GALLANTRY OVER NORTH VIETNAM

In 1967, Captain Lee was assigned to the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing based out of Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base. Flying the F-105 "Thud" into the teeth of the most heavily defended airspace in the history of aerial warfare, Lee quickly distinguished himself as an exceptionally courageous flight leader.

During his tour, he earned the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry during an incredibly hazardous strike mission. Leading a massive force of sixteen F-105 Thunderchiefs through severe weather, intense anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) fire, surface-to-air missile (SAM) threats, and hostile MiG tracking, Captain Lee successfully guided his strike package to the target. He pressed his attack home with complete disregard for his personal safety, delivering his ordnance with pinpoint accuracy to destroy vital runways and support infrastructure at the heavily fortified Hoa Lac Airfield.

In addition to his Silver Star, his extraordinary heroism and aerial skill across multiple high-threat missions earned him five Distinguished Flying Crosses (DFCs) and 15 Air Medals. His citations detail harrowing strikes against the Kep Railroad Yards and Kep Army Barracks, where he repeatedly braved dense flak networks, evaded incoming SAMs under a low overcast sky, and successfully silenced active anti-aircraft batteries to protect his wingmen and complete the mission.

POST-WAR LEADERSHIP AND SIMULATOR DEVELOPMENT
Returning from combat, Dick transitioned his operational expertise into testing and development. From 1969 to 1973, he served with Fighter Weapons and the Armament Development and Test Center (ADTC) at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Recognized for his intellect and analytical mind, he pursued post-graduate studies, earning a Master of Science in Counseling & Guidance from Troy State University in 1974.

He then returned to Europe from 1974 to 1976, serving on the Operations Staff of the 6th Allied Tactical Air Force (6 ATAF) under NATO. In 1976, Lt. Col. Lee returned to Eglin Air Force Base to work with the Tactical Air Warfare Center (TAWC), where he became an instrumental leader in pioneering and implementing Full Mission Simulator systems—paving the way for next-generation combat readiness.

Lieutenant Colonel Lee retired from active duty in 1984 after 29 years of highly decorated, selfless service to his country.

FINAL ROLL CALL
Following his military retirement, Dick enjoyed life alongside his family and loved ones, remaining highly respected within the USAFA Class of 1959 alumni community. He passed away on October 24, 2015, and took his final place in the Long Blue Line.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Science – United States Air Force Academy (1959)
• Squadron Officer School (SOS) – Air University (1962)
• Master of Science in Counseling & Guidance – Troy State University (1974)

MEDALS AND MILITARY DECORATIONS

• Silver Star
• Distinguished Flying Cross (with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters and Combat "V")
• Air Medal (with 14 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters)
• Joint Service Commendation Medal

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

Years Duty / Role Location / Unit
1959–1960 Student Pilot, Undergraduate Pilot Training Mission, TX / Craig AFB, AL
1961–1962 Fighter Pilot Cannon AFB, NM
1963 F-105 Pilot Seymour Johnson AFB, NC
1965–1967 Tactical Fighter Pilot 7th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Spangdahlem AB, West Germany
1967 Combat F-105 Flight Leader 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli RTAFB, Thailand
1969–1973 Fighter Weapons / Development Officer ADTC, Eglin AFB, FL
1974 Post-Graduate Student Troy State University, AL
1974–1976 Operations Staff Officer 6 Allied Tactical Air Force (6 ATAF), NATO
1976–1984 Full Mission Simulator Program Officer TAWC, Eglin AFB, FL