Richard J. Meadows
| Richard J. Meadows | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Nickname(s) | "Dick" |
| Born |
June 16, 1931 Johnson Creek, Alleghany County, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | July 29, 1995 (aged 64) Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, U.S. |
| Buried at | Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1947–1977 |
| Rank | Major |
| Battles/wars |
Korean War Vietnam War Operation Ivory Coast Operation Eagle Claw |
| Awards |
Distinguished Service Cross Silver Stars (2) Bronze Star with V Device Air Medal Legion of Merit Combat Infantryman Badge Master Parachutist badge Ranger Tab Scuba Badge |
Richard J. Meadows (June 16, 1931 – July 29, 1995) was a U.S. Army Special Forces officer who saw combat in Korea and Vietnam. He was a key figure in the Iran Hostage Rescue mission in 1980. He was a pivotal player in the creation of the modern U.S. Army Special Forces.
Meadows enlisted in the Army in 1946 at age 15. He first saw combat in Korea and was, by age 20, the youngest Master Sergeant in the Army at that time. In 1953, he entered the U.S. Army Special Forces and remained active in them or the Rangers until his retirement in 1977. His participation in the Iran Hostage Rescue mission came after his official retirement.
In 1960, Meadows was one of the first U.S. Army officers to participate in an exchange program with the British Special Air Service special forces unit. Meadows completed SAS training, was an acting troop leader for 12 months, and participated in a field combat operation with his unit. It is widely believed that Meadows' SAS experience helped form the basis for future US Army Special Forces selection, training, and organizational structures.
While assigned to the 8th Special Forces Group in Panama, MSgt. Meadows volunteered for a tour in Vietnam. At the end of his first tour, serving in the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam - Studies and Observations Group, Meadows received a direct commission as a captain on April 14, 1967.
On Nov 21, 1970 Captain Meadows was the team leader for the initial assault team in the Son Tay prison camp raid (see Operation Ivory Coast). This 14-man team (plus pilots), code-named Blueboy, intentionally crash-landed an HH-3 helicopter right in the middle of the prison camp to achieve maximum surprise. One team member was injured in the landing (broken ankle). The remaining team members executed their mission without further casualties. However, much to Meadows' disappointment, the enemy had moved all its captives weeks earlier.
In the mid-1970s, Meadows was a key figure in the founding of the US Delta Force special operations and hostage rescue force.
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