Mischke distinguished as a fighter pilot in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, by Elaine Ayala,By Elaine Ayala – Express-News, April 3, 2010
A fraction of Richard M. Mischke’s life would have been enough for most people. But after a distinguished career as a fighter pilot in three wars and working at the Pentagon and Justice Department, the Thomas Jefferson High School graduate taught others to fly and explored the world.
He built a dream home on one of San Antonio’s highest peaks and merged two great passions — astronomy and photography, trekking to spots around the globe to capture images of solar and lunar eclipses.”
12th most decorated officer or man in the Air Force at the time of his retirement. (1)
Source: (1) MYSA (My San Antonio)
Richard M. Mischke, Col USAF, Ret., “Headed West” on March 16, 2010.
Colonel Richard M. Mischke (USAF Retired) passed away on March 16, 2010 in Grenada, Spain, doing what he loved – traveling with a photographic tour.
Richard was born to Carl A. and Carolyn A. Mischke on May 27, 1921 in Luddington, LA. He was beloved big brother to Betty Jean Saulsbury. He graduated from the University of Texas with a BA in Business Administration, and earned his MBA at the University of Ohio. He served in the Army Air Corps in World War II as a fighter pilot in the Pacific Theater. He also served in the Korean War and two tours in the Viet Nam War. He earned many medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Legion of Merit – Officer.
After retiring from the Dept. of Justice and the Pentagon, he built his own retirement home (Cima del Mundo) in San Antonio. He loved to take pictures and would take slide shows of his travels to local groups and delight them with his travelogues. He was a member of the Explorers Club, an astronomy club and two camera clubs in San Antonio, and traveled the world looking for adventure and opportunities to photograph solar eclipses. He continued to fly airplanes and just last month had re-certified to be an airline pilot instructor.
His loving father, Carl A. and loving mother, Carolyn A. Mischke, and his beloved sister Betty Jean Saulsbury preceded him in death. Nephews, Richard D. Foss and Jack F. Saulsbury and nieces, Regina A. Curry, Jaan Cooper, and Jean Anne Saulsbury survive him. He was a REAL American Hero and one of the last true gentlemen; and he will truly be missed by all his many friends and family. At his request there will be no funeral services and burial arrangements will be private.
Published by San Antonio Express-News on Apr. 2, 2010.
