Richard Harrell Colvin was born in Pulaski County, Kentucky, the son of Charles Elmore Colvin and Eula Katherine Harrell Colvin. Brother of Charles Elmore Colvin, Jr., Wilma Mae Colvin (who died in infancy), and Sara Frances Colvin. He married Kathleen Hardin in Knoxville, TN, on January 10, 1938. No Children.
Graduated from Knoxville High School and attended the University of Tennessee where he was a Pi Kappa Phi.
He received his wings and commission at Ellington Field, Texas in July 1943 and went to England in March 1944.
His plane was shot down over France during a night-time bombing run to Germany.
Buried on May 28, 1948, in Lynnhurst Cemetery in Knoxville.
Aircraft B-26C45 with serial number 42-107670 was on a bombing mission to Ribeaucourt/Nr. Bernaville in France.
Night mission – aircraft were dispatched at 20 second intervals and at different altitudes so that any reports of explosions in mid-air or crashed on the ground cannot be identified with any one particular aircraft. Impossible to identify any individual aircraft of those missing as they were all reported in distress within the following area; From Blangy East to Piequigny – North to Bernaville and North West from Bernaville to Rue. Three aircraft probably exploded in mid-air.
Four reports of planes crashing on ground. One and possibly two parachutes seen in searchlight come in one location. Report of four parachutes given at another location.
Crew members
Pilot, 1st Lt James W.Lemmond
Co-Pilot, 2nd Lt Richard W. Colvin
Navigator/Bombardier, 2nd Lt Raymond F. Noenth
Radio Operator, S/Sgt Robert H. Blackstowe
Engineer/Gunner, S/Sgt Harold R. Vance
Tail Gunner, S/Sgt Julius L. Toth
- Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Date of birth: 21 August 1915
- Date of death: 8 July 1944
- County: Knox
- Hometown: Knoxville
- Service Branch: Army/Army Air Forces
- Division/Assignment: 322nd Bomber Group, 451st Bomber Squadron, 9th Air Force
- Theater: Europe
- Conflict: World War II
- Awards: Purple Heart
- Burial/Memorial Location: Lynnhurst Cemetery, Knoxville, TN
- Location In Memorial: Pillar XIV, Bottom Panel
- Sponsored by: Barbara Harrell Wesley in memory of Sara Frances Colvin Wesley
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