Richard Leldon Penn

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Leldon "RL" Penn, USAFA Class of 1959, was a distinguished member of the U.S. Air Force Academy's inaugural class, dedicating 22 years of his life to service.  RL was a fighter pilot, primarily flying the formidable F-4C Phantom. His career was marked by exceptional skill and courage, earning him a reputation as one of the finest fighter pilots of his generation. Throughout his entire life, he embodied the foundational principle of the Academy Honor Code: "We will not lie, steal, or cheat."

Early Life and Military Career
RL Penn was born with a spirit of adventure and a deep sense of patriotism.  His commitment to flight began at a very early age.  Inspired by the heroic service of his uncle, Charlie Crawford, who was a U.S. Air Corps gunner killed in action at 18 years of age in 1943 while involved in a European operation. His uncle was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. Young RL made a solemn promise at age six to follow in Charlie's footsteps and become a pilot. This lifelong resolve led him to the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he was accepted into the very first class in 1955 after completing a semester at the University of Alabama.

Upon graduation in 1959, Penn embarked on a 22-year career in the Air Force. He primarily flew the F-4C Phantom, a supersonic fighter jet, and his assignments took him around the world, from Torrejon Air Base in Spain to bases in Korea and throughout the United States. He also served a combat tour in Southeast Asia, flying 92 missions over North Vietnam and 50 over Laos.

Valor in Combat and Distinguished Service
Penn's unwavering commitment to service was profoundly demonstrated during his combat tour in Vietnam. In September 1964, on a night mission to heavily defended steel mills in North Vietnam, he successfully attacked the area with 2.75-inch rockets, earning him the Distinguished Flying Cross. He also volunteered for a hazardous assignment to take photography of critical targets in North Vietnam, for which he was awarded the Bronze Star.

On August 13, 1966, his F-4C Phantom was shot down by intense enemy anti-aircraft fire north of Hanoi. Though injured, he was rescued at sea by the U.S. Navy destroyer USS King and was awarded the Purple Heart for his injuries. Following his combat tour, he served in various roles, including as the Commander and Operations Officer of the USAF Sea Survival School and as a staff officer at the Pentagon, where he contributed to the planning, budgeting, and procurement of the Air Force's worldwide fighter forces, earning him the Meritorious Service Medal. He was also awarded the Air Medal with seven oak leaf clusters and the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, among other recognitions.

Academic and Post-Military Pursuits
A man of exceptional intellectual curiosity, RL's academic pursuits matched his aerial prowess. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Maryland, a Master of Arts in Management from Central Michigan University, and completed graduate studies in finance at Florida International University. He also graduated from the U.S. Naval War College, where he received a Master of Science.

After retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1981, RL Penn continued to apply his skills in the civilian sector. He held various positions as a program manager and systems analyst for companies like CACI and SofTech. A true Renaissance man, he also became an assistant professor at the University of New Haven, where he established and supervised a commercial pilot training program.

Beyond his professional life, RL found enjoyment in sailing and extensive world travels. He was a proud boat owner for many years and visited all seven continents. A man of honor, courage, and intellectual spirit, RL Penn's life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to service and integrity.