10 June 1969: The U.S. Air Force donated the first North American Aviation X-15, serial number 56-6670, to the Smithsonian Institution for display at the National Air and Space Museum. The first of three X-15A hypersonic research rocketplanes built by North American for the Air Force and the National Advisory Committee (NACA, the predecessor of NASA), 56-6670 made the first glide flight and
“Major Richard D. River, USAF Ret. served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was appointed by the U.S. attache to train F-100 Super-Sabre Squadron in Denmark. Major River was a member of the Super Sabre Society, the F-86 Sabre Pilots Association and the Daedalians, Flight, Group Dayton Ohio. He was a life member of the Quiet Birdmen Hangar 41, Columbus, Ohio. Dick was also a member and past President of the Ross County Shrine Club. He was a 32 Degree Mason having been a member of the Scioto Lodge #6 F&AM, Chillicothe York Rite Bodies, the Aladdin Temple Shrine of Columbus and the Scottish Rite Valley of Columbus. Richard was an Eagle Scout.” (1)
Richard D. River, Maj USAF, Ret., “Headed West” on January 4, 2013.
Dick River 1943
Richard D. River, of Hilliard, Ohio died 1:40 a.m. Friday, January 4, 2013 in the Kobacker House, Columbus following a brief illness.
He was born in Columbus, Ohio to the late Arthur and Frances Graham River.
Surviving are his wife, the former Patricia A. Kimberling; children from a previous marriage to Barbara Goff River, of Chillicothe, Karen River, of Lansing, MI, Linda (Kevin) Elliott and their children, Halle, Tori and Noah Elliott, all of Chillicothe David (Brenda) River, of Sterling Heights, MI and their son, Billy River and his children, Jacob and Dade, Kenneth (Theresa) River, of Atlanta, GA and their children, Josh River, of Ashville and his children, Julian and Jocelyn and Stephanie River, of Louisville and James River, of Chillicothe.
Major Richard D. River, USAF Ret. served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was appointed by the U.S. attache to train F-100 Super-Sabre Squadron in Denmark. Major River was a member of the Super Sabre Society, the F-86 Sabre Pilots Association and the Daedalians, Flight, Group Dayton Ohio. He was a life member of the Quiet Birdmen Hangar 41, Columbus, Ohio. Dick was also a member and past President of the Ross County Shrine Club. He was a 32 Degree Mason having been a member of the Scioto Lodge #6 F&AM, Chillicothe York Rite Bodies, the Aladdin Temple Shrine of Columbus and the Scottish Rite Valley of Columbus. Richard was an Eagle Scout.
A graveside service [was held on] Wednesday, January 9, 2013 in Grandview Cemetery with Rev. J.C. Collins officiating. There will be no calling hours. Full military honors for Major Richard D. River, Ret. will be conducted by the Wright Patterson AFB Honor Guard. They will be assisted by the Ross County Veterans Honor Guard. Arrangements are under the direction of the WARE FUNERAL HOME.
