MAJ Richard Mendenall joined US Airforce Sept 9, 1966 after graduating from college. After completing officer’s training school & flight training school he was assigned to his squadron as a Lieutenant. LTD Mendenall was then given a 60-day TDY to South East Asia, which he flew 22 combat sorties in support of the Tactical Fighter Operations. Two of these sortie with SAC Bomber Operations & two Higher-Headquarters Directed missions. These missions were flown under extremely hazardous conditions, and the majority of the missions were at night, all of which were @ maximum gross- weight takeoffs & most of them required an actual instrument departure & approach under marginal conditions. On two of occasions in-flight emergencies occurred which required immediate & positive action by then LTD Mendenall. Because of his knowledge of the aircraft and his superior copilot ability these dangerous situations were brought under control & the missions were successfully completed. MAJ Mendenall was later assigned to 8-day TDY to Alaska in support of SAC Airborne Alert Operations, flying a total of 6 sorties under extreme conditions. He earned an "Outstanding" rating for his performance (the highest possible rating) during these assignments. MAJ Mendenall has received the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Air Force Longevity Service Award. 