“The growth and the urge and also the spirit of integration really became alive within me” (Interview, 10:51)

Walter Harold Richardson

Walter Richardson at time of interview War: Korean War, 1950-1953; Vietnam War, 1961-1975 Branch: Air Force; Air Force Unit: 332nd Air Base Group; 33rd Fighter Wing Service Location: Lackland Air Force Base, Texas; Lockbourne Air Force Base, Ohio; Okinawa Island (Ryukyu Islands); Johnson Air Base, Japan; Eglin Air Force Base, Florida; Itazuke, Japan; Dover Air Force Base, Delaware; also: Pleiku, Vietnam; Dover Air Force Base, Delaware; Clark Air Base, Philippines; Griffiss Air Force Base, New York; Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand; Eglin Air Force Base, Florida; Hurlburt Field, Florida Rank: E-9

Enlisting in 1949 to help pay for his sister’s education, Walter Harold Richardson was on the forefront of the racial integration of the Air Force. He trained with the last all-black flight at Lackland Air Force Base, and was selected as one of 1,500 airmen to begin the Air Force’s integration process. Throughout 30 years of service, he faced discrimination and isolation, but also saw immense change, and viewed every challenge as an opportunity to prove that everyone could work together.