World War II Honoree
World War II Veteran
Richard L. Gates, Jr.
Branch of Service
U.S. Army Air Force
Hometown
Alexandria, Louisiana
Relationship
Self
WAS GROUP LEADER IN 409TH BOMB GROUP, 641ST BOMB SQUADRON. FLEW 61 COMBAT MISSIONS OVER FRANCE AND GERMANY. MADE A SUCCESSFUL DEAD STICK LANDING ON JULY 5TH AFTER COMING UNDER HEAVY FLAK FIRE. WAS PROMOTED TO CAPTAIN BEFORE TOUR ENDED. HIS GROUP WAS BOMBING IN ADVANCE OF GENERAL PATTON'S ADVANCE IN FRANCE. HE FLEW ONE MISSION ON D-DAY.