Lieutenant Colonel Richard French served a distinguished 27-year career in the United States Air Force, during which he flew 683 combat missions. His aircraft sustained battle damage in 40 of these missions, and he was wounded twice, earning the Purple Heart. French also received numerous other decorations, including the Silver Star, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, and 23 Air Medals. He is notably recognized for his role in the successful destruction of the Thanh Hoa Bridge during Operation Linebacker I in Vietnam, a mission that had previously resulted in significant aircraft losses.

Lieutenant Colonel Richard French served a distinguished 27-year career in the United States Air Force, during which he flew 683 combat missions. His aircraft sustained battle damage in 40 of these missions, and he was wounded twice, earning the Purple Heart. French also received numerous other decorations, including the Silver Star, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, and 23 Air Medals. He is notably recognized for his role in the successful destruction of the Thanh Hoa Bridge during Operation Linebacker I in Vietnam, a mission that had previously resulted in significant aircraft losses.