World War II Honoree

Richard Emmmitt Oliver

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Weleetka, Oklahoma

Honored By

Karen Braughton

Relationship

Daughter

SERVED IN THE PACIFIC AS A BOMBARDIER. HE WAS WAITING TO LEAVE FOR HAWAII ON THE GROUND AT HAMILTON AIR FORCE BASE IN CALIFORNIA WHEN PEARL HARBOR WAS BOMBED. WAS SENT TO THE PACIFIC AND HIS PLANE WAS SHOT DOWN. HE WAS RESCUED FROM THE OCEAN BY THE USS PRESTON ON JANUARY 23RD. HE WAS THEN SENT ON ANOTHER MISSION TO BOMB RABUL AND THE PLANE WAS FORCED TO LAND IN THE SWAMP OF NEW GUINEA ON FEBRUARY 23RD. HIS CREW SPENT 6 WEEKS GETTING OUT TO THE COAST AND BEING RESCUED AND TAKEN TO AUSTRALIA. HE WAS ALSO INVOLVED IN THE A BOMB TESTING.