David Keith Richart
David Keith Richart
Years of Service:
24
Highest Rank:
O-4
Medals & Awards:
Distinguished Flying Cross 3
Air Medal 6
Career Highlights:
MAJOR DAVID KEITH “D.K.” RICHART
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959
David Keith "D.K." Richart was raised in Richmond, Virginia. He received a congressional appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, entering with the historic inaugural Class of 1959. While at USAFA, Cadet Richart was a member of Cadet Squadron 8. He was active in cadet extracurricular life, participating in the Chess Club and serving on the staff for several major academy publications, including Contrails, Polaris, and Base Leg.
MILITARY CAREER & VIETNAM SERVICE
After commissioning in 1959, Richart began primary and basic flight training at Bartow Air Base, Florida, and Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma. Following completion of pilot training, he transitioned into instructor roles, sharing his flight expertise with student pilots as a T-33 Instructor Pilot with the 3376th Pilot Training Squadron at Vance AFB (1961–1962) and the 3645th Pilot Training Squadron at Laughlin AFB, Texas (1962–1965).
From 1965 to 1966, he deployed to South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, serving as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) flying the O-1E Bird Dog out of Da Nang, Dong Ha, and Kontum. Flying visual reconnaissance and directing strike aircraft in combat conditions over dangerous tactical zones required immense bravery and precision. For his heroic action and exceptional service in combat, he was awarded three Distinguished Flying Crosses and six Air Medals.
Following his combat tour in Southeast Asia, Richart was selected for advanced academic study at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, where he earned a Master of Science degree in Space Physics Engineering in 1968. He served a total of 24 years in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Major (O-4).
EDUCATION
B.S. United States Air Force Academy 1959
M.S. Space Physics Engineering Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) 1968
MEDALS & AWARDS
Distinguished Flying Cross 3
Air Medal 6
SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS
1959 – 1960 Pilot Training Bartow AB, FL / Vance AFB, OK
1961 – 1962 T-33 Instructor Pilot, 3376th Pilot Training Sq Vance AFB, OK
1962 – 1965 T-33 Instructor Pilot, 3645th Pilot Training Sq Laughlin AFB, TX
1965 – 1966 Pilot / Forward Air Controller (FAC), O-1E Da Nang / Dong Ha / Kontum, South Vietnam
1968 AFIT Student (MS Space Physics Engineering) Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
