★
Richard
Ridgeway
Ridgeway
SP4 · Skull · 11B20 · Infantryman
KIA
In-Country Service
1972-02-09 –
Home of Record
Bloomington, McLean County, IL
Character of Service
Honorable
Archive Status
Active
Service timeline not yet compiled. If you served with or knew Richard Ridgeway, please use the contribute form to share what you remember.
1972-02-09
Arrived
Arrived in Vietnam — February 9, 1972
SP4 Richard Ridgeway began his tour with D Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry (Airmobile), 1st Cavalry Division, Republic of Vietnam.
1972-05-10
Incident
Killed in action — Chinook crash, May 10, 1972
SP4 Ridgeway was killed when CH-47A tail number 64-13157 crashed near Long Thanh North Airfield, Republic of Vietnam. The aircraft was carrying Skull Platoon and the company commander of D Company, 2/8 Cavalry, to Vũng Tàu for a three-day in-country R&R. A blade retaining pin failed at altitude; the helicopter exploded on impact. All 34 aboard were killed. SP4 Ridgeway was 20 years old.
1972-05-10
Casualty record
Near Long Thanh North Airfield, Biên Hòa Province, Republic of Vietnam. UTM YT168032. En route Biên Hòa to Vũng Tàu (R&R).
Did You Know Richard, or Serve Alongside Richard?
We are actively collecting photographs, letters, and memories for this profile. Submissions are reviewed before publication. If you served with Richard — or are a family member with materials — we'd be grateful to hear from you.
Looking for official service or casualty records? See our guide →