Thomas R. Richards

Last updated
Thomas Russell Richards
Thomas Richards NSW rear admiral.jpg
Nickname(s)Hulk
Born1947 (age 76–77)
Bay Shore, New York
AllegianceUnited States
Service / branch United States Navy
Years of service1969–1999
Rank Rear admiral
Commands SEAL TEAM ONE
Naval Special Warfare Command
Battles / wars Vietnam War; El Salvador; Operation Praying Mantis
Awards Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit
Silver Star Medal
Alma mater Villanova University

Thomas R. Richards (born 1947) is a retired United States Navy rear admiral who commanded the Naval Special Warfare Command from 1996 to 1999.

Contents

Thomas Richards graduated from Villanova University in 1969 and was commissioned through the Navy Reserve Officers Training Corps. After his commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy, Richards received orders to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training (BUD/S) at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. After six months of training, Richards graduated BUD/S class 55 in April 1970 and received assignment to SEAL TEAM ONE. Following SEAL Basic Indoctrination (SBI) training and platoon training, Richards deployed to South Vietnam with Zulu Platoon from August 1970 to February 1971. He was wounded in February 1971 at the end of his tour and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart. [1] Richards led naval special operations forces during Operation Prime Chance and Operation Praying Mantis in the Persian Gulf. [2] Richards served in numerous staff and command positions including operations officer NSWG 1; operations officer, SEAL TEAM TWO, executive officer, Underwater Demolition Team Twelve (UDT-12), commanding officer, Special Boat Unit Thirteen; senior U.S. Naval representative at the U.S. Military Group (MILGRU) in El Salvador from 1983 to 1984; commanding officer, SEAL Team ONE from 1986 to 1988; programs officer with the Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, D.C., and commanding officer, Naval Special Warfare Center. [3] From 1996 to 1999, Richards served as the commanding officer of the Naval Special Warfare Command. [4] He retired from active duty in 1999 after 30 years of service.

This article contains material from the United States Federal Government and is in the public domain.

Awards and decorations

U.S. military decorations
Navy Distinguished Service ribbon.svg Navy Distinguished Service Medal
US Defense Superior Service Medal ribbon.svg Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit ribbon.svg Legion of Merit
"V" device, gold.svg
1 golden star.svg
Bronze Star ribbon.svg
Bronze Star with Combat "V" and 5/16 bronze star
Purple Heart ribbon.svg Purple Heart
Meritorious Service ribbon.svg Meritorious Service Medal
"V" device, gold.svg
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation ribbon.svg
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat "V"
United States Navy Presidential Unit Citation ribbon.svg Presidential Unit Citation
Joint Meritorious Unit Award ribbon.svg Joint Meritorious Unit Award
Combat Action Ribbon.svg Combat Action Ribbon
U.S. Navy Unit Commendation ribbon.svg Navy Unit Commendation
U.S. Service (Campaign) Medals and Service and Training Ribbons
National Defense Service Medal ribbon.svg National Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal ribbon.svg Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Vietnam Service Medal ribbon.svg Vietnam Service Medal
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.svg Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
Gallantry Cross Unit Citation.png Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Ribbon
Civil Action Unit Citation.png Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation Ribbon
Vietnam Campaign Medal ribbon with 60- clasp.svg Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
United States Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon with expert device.svg Navy Rifle Marksmanship Badge
United States Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon with expert device.svg Navy Pistol Marksmanship Badge
U.S. badges, patches and tabs
United States Navy Special Warfare insignia.png SEAL Trident
Navy CaS.png Command at Sea insignia

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References

  1. ↑ "Conspicuous Gallantry Under Fire" . Retrieved 5 November 2015.
  2. ↑ "NAVY BEACH HOSTING ANNUAL NAVY SEAL FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER SATURDAY JUNE 18TH". 21 April 2016. Archived from the original on 2020-05-07. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
  3. ↑ "Naval Special Warfare Center sees new commanding officer". Archived from the original on 25 October 2021. Retrieved 25 May 2021.
  4. ↑ "Richards takes helm as Navy commander" . Retrieved 10 August 2016.
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