Inducted in 2019
Military Aviator, Presidential Pilot
Lt. Col. Richard Meydag, USMC RetIred, earned an associate degree in Aviation Technology at OSU in 1960. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, earned his wings as a Helicopter Pilot, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. He was stationed in Hawaii, then in 1965 was transferred to Marine Helicopter Squadron-163 in Da Nang, Vietnam, where he flew helicopters in support of both the Army of the Republic of Vietnam and U.S. Marine Corps operations. When his deployment ended after six months, he volunteered to stay in Vietnam and was reassigned to Marine Helicopter Squadron-161 in Hue Phu Bai, still flying support for Marines.
He returned to the US for two years as Helicopter Instructor Pilot at the Naval Air Training Command, then returned to Viet Nam flying Bell Huey Gunships. During his two tours in Vietnam, he flew over 1,000 combat missions, often under heavy enemy fire, coordinating various aircraft in rescues and extractions of troops. His awards include the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross (2), Purple Heart, Legion of Merit, Single Mission Air Medals (5) and the Air Medal with 52 Strike Flight Awards.
After earning a BS Degree in Industrial Technology at the University of Southern Mississippi he was assigned to the Presidential Helicopter Squadron, transporting President Nixon and other dignitaries. He became Commanding Officer, Marine Air Base Squadron-36, Okinawa, Japan. In 1975, he participated in Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Saigon, and flew the second to last helicopter out.
He returned to Naval Air Training Command as Senior Marine Training Air Wing 5. In 1978, Lt. Col. Meydag was named Commanding Officer for Marine Helicopter Squadron-1 and Presidential Helicopter Pilot for President Jimmy Carter. His final assignment was as Program Manager at Naval Air System Command, responsible for all Sikorsky H-53 helicopters and the introduction of the Super Stallion Heavy Lift Helicopter.
After retirement he joined Sikorsky Aircraft as Director of Overhaul and Repair and General Manager of Commercial Overhaul.
