Richard Eugene Tracey

LIEUTENANT COLONEL RICHARD EUGENE “DICK” TRACEY, USAF (RET.)
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959

Richard Eugene “Dick” Tracey was born and raised in Washington Court House, Ohio. In high school, he distinguished himself as a multi-sport athlete, earning varsity letters in baseball, basketball, and football, while also working as a community lifeguard. Demonstrating an early passion for flight and engineering, he attended the University of Cincinnati for one year, studying Aeronautical Engineering.

Receiving a Congressional appointment, Dick entered the inaugural class of the United States Air Force Academy. At USAFA, he was assigned to Cadet Squadron 5. He continued his athletic pursuits on the intercollegiate level, earning letters in both diving and soccer. Demonstrating strong leadership and academic standing early on, he served three of his four years at the Academy as an Academic Officer.

On June 3, 1959, Dick graduated with the historic first USAFA Class of 1959.

MILITARY CAREER & VIETNAM SERVICE

Upon graduation, Lt. Tracey entered Primary and Basic Pilot Training at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma (1959–1960). His exceptional flying skills led to an immediate assignment as an Instructor Pilot with the 3575th Pilot Training Squadron at Vance, where he spent six years shaping the next generation of Air Force aviators (1960–1966).

Seeking to deepen his technical expertise, he was selected to attend the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), earning his Master’s Degree in Reliability Engineering.

In 1968, Dick transitioned to combat aircraft, training as an F-105 Thunderchief ("Thud") pilot with the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron at McConnell AFB, Kansas. He deployed to Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, flying combat missions over Vietnam with the 469th TFS (1968–1969). During his combat tour, he flew over 125 combat missions. For his extraordinary achievement during a mission providing vital air cover fire during the successful combat rescue of a downed pilot, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Following his Vietnam deployment, Dick leveraged his engineering degree in technical staff roles:

• Air Force Flight Test Center (Edwards AFB, CA): System Effectiveness Engineer evaluating advanced airframes (1969–1971).

• Defense Contract Administration Services Organization (DCASO Wichita): Chief of Flight Operations and Engineering, serving as an acceptance test pilot (1972–1976).

• Space and Missile Systems Organization (SAMSO, Norton AFB, CA): Chief of the Reliability & Quality Assurance Division, contributing significantly to the development and sustainment of the Minuteman missile program (1976).

Lt. Col. Tracey retired from the United States Air Force after 22 years of dedicated service.

POST-MILITARY CAREER, HOBBIES & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Following his Air Force retirement, Dick transitioned into defense industry leadership, serving as the Corporate Director of Quality Operations for Hughes Aircraft Company in Los Angeles, California.

In his later years in Solvang, California, Dick remained deeply curious and active. A true lifelong learner, he engaged in daily Bible study and read extensively, from theological texts to complex scientific journals. He was an active member of the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit (SBAU), capturing high-resolution astrophotography from his home in Solvang (highlighted in local feature coverage such as the Santa Ynez Valley News article, "Starry Nights Captured in Solvang").

His wide array of hobbies included:

• Astronomy & Astrophotography: Active stargazing and astrophotography with local astronomical societies.

• Music & Faith: Singing in his church choir and dedicated daily study.

• Travel & Horticulture: Traveling across all 50 states and internationally, participating in RV rallies, and cultivating roses.

• Crafts & Collecting: Operating model train setups and expanding a large eagle collection.

Dick was known throughout his life for challenging family, friends, and colleagues to continually strive for self-improvement and step into leadership roles.

FAMILY & LEGACY

Lieutenant Colonel Tracey was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 20 years, Marlyss Lee Tracey. He is survived by his first wife, Sandy; his children Jeff (Julie), Mark, and Toni (Paul) Callahan; grandchildren Jennifer (Wes) Goodwin, Jeremy (Lisa) Hamilt, Chris Tracey, Caitlyn Callahan, and Paul Callahan; stepdaughter Debbie Grant; and many step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.

Dick passed away peacefully at his home in California. He was interred with full military honors at his beloved United States Air Force Academy Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

EDUCATION


University of Cincinnati Aeronautical Engineering (1 Year) 1954–1955
U.S. Air Force Academy Bachelor of Science (Class of 1959) 1959
Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) Master’s Degree in Reliability Engineering 1967

MAJOR MEDALS & DECORATIONS

• Legion of Merit (1)

• Distinguished Flying Cross (1)

• Meritorious Service Medal (1)

• Air Medal (8)

• Air Force Commendation Medal (1)

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS


1959 – 1960 Student, Pilot Training Vance Air Force Base, OK
1960 – 1966 Instructor Pilot 3575th Pilot Training Squadron, Vance AFB, OK
1967 Student, AFIT Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
1968 F-105 Pilot 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron, McConnell AFB, KS
1968 – 1969 Combat Pilot (F-105, 125+ Missions) 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat RTAFB, Thailand
1969 – 1971 System Effectiveness Engineer Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards AFB, CA
1972 – 1976 Chief, Flight Operations & Engineering / Acceptance Test Pilot DCASO Wichita, KS
1976 Chief, Reliability & Quality Assurance Division (Minuteman Program) SAMSO, Norton AFB, CA
1980+ Corporate Director of Quality Operations Hughes Aircraft Company, Los Angeles, CA