Richard D. Goss’ Silver Star
Captain RIchard D. Goss distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an Advisor-Pilot of a bomber aircraft over the Republic of Vietnam on 6 February 1964. On that date, Captain Goss flew a close air support mission at minimum altitudes over a large concentration of hostile forces who were attacking a friendly village. Although his aircraft sustained severe ground fire, Captain Goss continuously flew low level passes over the Viet Cong until the friendly forces were able to suppress the Viet Cong attack. Through his courageous and aggressive efforts, the Government of the Republic of Vietnam succeeded in taking effective deterrent actions against the Viet Cong. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Goss has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States of America.
Born: October 12, 1932… Home of record: Los Angeles… Killed in action on Aug. 29, 1964… Assigned to 1st Air Commando Squadron, 34th Tactical Air Command Group, 13th Air Force…
Richard “Dick” Goss grew up in Seattle, WA, and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1950. He attended Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon from 1950 to 1952, when he enlisted in the Air Force. He received his Commission in 1955.
He was a God-fearing and compassionate man who valued life and the treasure of friendship and fellowship. Dick had a marvelous sense of humor and was as comfortable on a football field as he was on the dance floor.
As a father, he was hands-on with all four of his children and had tremendous patience. Dick taught his children to swim before they could walk, and the oldest three to jump off the 3-meter board in the summer of ’62 (ages 2 to 5.) He could be found sitting on the floor doing crafts with his daughters, or playing antics or ball with his sons. A hairbrush was never far away as he loved to brush and braid his daughters’ hair.
As a husband, Dick was an attentive and supportive partner who made sure date nights were scheduled. He loved shopping for his wife’s clothes and often came home with a new dress for a date.
Dick left his wife, Karen, and four children in Seattle, Washington: Gregory Dean, 8 years, Carol 6 years, Laura 4 years, and Richard Dean II, 21 months. They continue to reside in Seattle. A grandson was an infantry officer in the Middle East and Europe and is currently a Lieutenant Colonel, USAR Reserve.
Capt. Goss was a pilot serving with the 1st Air Commando Squadron, 34th Tactical Air Command Group, 13th Air Force. On 29 August 1964, he was killed when his A1-E Skyraider was shot down by anti-aircraft fire, crashing 200 yards from the runway as he returned from a mission to the Bien Hoa Air Base.
His A1-E was the first to be lost in Vietnam; earlier that year, Capt. Goss flew the last B-26 aircraft serving in Vietnam to Clark Air Base, Philippines.
Medals: Silver Star for distinguishing himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an Advisor-Pilot of a Bomber aircraft (B-26) on 6 Feb 64; the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while participating in aerial flight on 12 July 64; the Air Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters; Purple Heart; Republic of Vietnam National Order Medal 5th Class, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Individual and Unit Citations.
Awards: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.
The Goss family shares pride in the memory of our late husband and father, his loss is a void that will never be filled. Capt. Goss is remembered on Panel 1E Row 63 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
(Written for visit with President and Mrs. Donald J. Trump at The White House, May 31, 2019
by Laura Goss McCloud Mathers) Laura.mm@comcast.net