Charles H. Richardson was born on April 5, 1944, to Mr. and Mrs. Richard H. Richardson. His home of record is Bergenfield, NJ. Chuck, as he was called, had two brothers, Bruce and Richard.

Chuck was a 1962 graduate of Bergenfield High School, where he was captain of the basketball team. He was named All-County and Second Team All State. He went on to play college ball. He was the lead scorer on this team and 12th highest in the country.

While attending Gettysburg College, he was a member of the ROTC, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, and Caldroney Klaiber VFW Post #876 in River Edge, NJ. He was a biology major in school and planned to teach upon his return from Vietnam. Once he had his taste of flying, he changed his mind and decided to work as a commercial pilot. Upon graduation in 1966, he was commissioned to serve in the US Air Force and attained the rank of First Lieutenant (1LT).

Richardson received his pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas and was then stationed at Tan Son Nhut Air Force Base with the 9th Special Operations Squadron. Charles was with a psychological air unit. The light plane he flew was equipped with a loud speaker that was used to urge the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese troops to defect.

Richardson was killed in action on October 8, 1968. A viewing was held at Riewarts Memorial Home followed by a memorial service at All Saints Episcopal Church. He was buried in George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, NJ.

Richard Richardson, Charles’ older brother, also served in Vietnam. He was with the Signal Corps.

Sources: Newspaper clippings and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024