Col. Richard F. Solomon's Obituary
Col. Richard F. Solomon
October 17, 1923-October 4, 2016
Richard F. Solomon, Colonel, USAF (Ret.), born in Far Rockaway, NY, on October 17, 1923. Upon graduation from Far Rockaway High School in 1942, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Army Aviation Cadet Program. He graduated as a Fighter Pilot, and commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1943. Richard served as a flight instructor until assignment to combat duty with the 356th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force, flying combat missions in P-51 Mustangs over Nazi-Occupied Europe until war’s end. Deactivated in 1946, but later recalled to active duty in 1948, he served in Korea and Vietnam, and was Commanding Officer of five USAF Air Defense Stations throughout the U.S. and overseas. He flew C-130 Hercules' in combat support missions to the besieged Army fortress at Khe San, Vietnam, in 1968 before retiring from active duty in 1970.
Recipient of the USAF Commendation Medal, three Air Medals for exceptionally meritorious conduct flying combat missions over Germany, and numerous campaign ribbons and battle stars earned in three wars.
After retiring from the military, he became chief pilot and Director of Flight Operations for Bradford Marine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and retired again after 25 years of active service. He was a member of Post 613 JWV. Richard was married to his high school sweetheart, Rosebud Goldsmith, for 62 years, residing in Hollywood, Florida, until she passed away in 2011. Richard battled Bladder Cancer and Alzheimer’s for several years before he made his final journey on October 4. He is survived by one daughter, (Maxine) Laurie.
“You Will Always Be My Hero, Dad."
Funeral services (to be announced) at Levitt Weinstein/Beth David Memorial Chapel, 3201 N. 72 Avenue, Hollywood. Final interment to take place in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia with full military honors.
What’s your fondest memory of Richard ?
What’s a lesson you learned from Richard ?
Share a story where Richard 's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Richard you’ll never forget.
How did Richard make you smile?
