Sissy and Liz, I believe you know how we all loved and respected Dick and Dick, we know that you are now in place of rest and comfort with the Lord. But we remember the wonderful person you were when you were with us here and we look forward to the day when we will be with you again. To us you were the true American hero. Not like one of the Hollywood heroes full of show and words but with no action. You were a real hero who showed his love for family, God and country through words and actions. You didn’t talk much about your heroic experiences. When you were a Marine rifleman in the Korean War and when the Chinese crossed the Yalu River at the Chosin Reservoir, You walked back on frostbitten feet to safety, barely escaping capture in 1950. Nor of yourexperiences flying the A-1 Sky Raider in Viet Nam where you were shot down while attempting to rescue a fellow airman in 1965. You spent 2656 days, over seven years, in captivity and earned the Silver Star, 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses, and 2 Bronze Stars all for valor in combat and 3 Purple Hearts for injuries suffered serving in both wars. You are one of Americas most decorated veterans. Only 17 American Prisoners of war have been held in captivity longer than you. Yet you remained humble and retained your wonderful sense of humor. 

Instead of your war experiences, you preferred to talk about the wonderful life you had with Sissy who waited to marry you when you returned from Hanoi. And then there was the pride of your life, Elizabeth, or as we know her Liz. Poppy, you can see that they are well and miss you very much.

But you did like to reminisce about your days growing up in Minnesota and how you liked playing sports, particularly baseball. We will be praying that this year the Minnesota Twins win the American League pennant and the World Series. You were particularly proud of playing catcher on two command baseball teams that made it all the way to the Air Force championships. These wonderful memories will remain always with those who loved you so much. 

And every now and then we could get you to talk of your war experiences, usually after downing a drink or two. You told me once that after a morning of questioning and torture, you asked your prison commander, Medal of Honor holder, Bud Day, how you could withstand the questioning and torture that was scheduled for afternoon. He simply told you “Remember the Code of Conduct”. You did and told inquisitors nothing. Perhaps your exceptional heroism is best told by one who shared your pain. In the Sun News this week , your cellmate, John Fer, posted, “It was my privilege to share a cell with Dick in Hanoi. He is among the few one can refer to as both tough-minded and tough physically. Always upbeat and defender of the faith, he will be missed”. This made me recall one particularly deep discussion we had when I asked you if it had been difficult for you to retain your faith during those many years as a Prisoner of war. You simply responded that your Faith sustained you and brought you home. Dick, may you now rest in peace. Your faith has brought you home to your heavenly home.