Quantcast

Retired colonel reflects on flying missions across three wars

Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Pigeons Cause Chaos on Delta Flight
United Airlines’ Uniforms Get A Facelift—And A Political Filter
United Continues to Face Catering Chaos at San Francisco
Passenger Stows Away on Delta Flight from New York to Paris
Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
BLIMP-SE OF THE FUTURE Luxury zeppelins of the future from ‘flying bum’ world’s largest aircraft to Google billionaire’s ‘impossible’ airship
Swiss Startup SmartFlyer Develops Hybrid-Electric Trainer
San Francisco-based entrepreneur takes a trip on India's worst-rated airline, his reaction will surprise you
First-Time Flyer at 81: A Grandmother's Memorable Journey
Ryanair forecasts fare rebound as consumers recover from interest-rate hit
Global Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight, Aiming to Revive 'Golden Age of Travel'
Winning routes: American Airlines adds more than 22,000 seats for football fans following release of 2025–2026 pro schedule
Boeing scores Middle East plane deal during Trump visit
Air travel will be ‘worse’ this summer, lawmakers warn — as FAA gives infuriating update on system fixes, staffing issues
Qatar Airways places record $96 billion Boeing order amid Trump visit
United Airlines CEO Reassures Passengers About Newark Airport Safety
American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
British Airways to use AI in efforts to improve operations
American Airlines Tests New Tech to Help Passengers With Tight Connections During Summer Rush
Flight Diverted After Pregnant Woman on Board Goes into Labor and Delivers Her Baby: Report
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says "this is the most optimistic I've been in my entire career about finally getting the FAA fixed"
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Unveils Plan to Build Brand New, State-of-the-Art Air Traffic Control System
Passenger rushing for next flight can't believe what woman next to her does
Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Frontier Airlines Announces New Routes Launching This Summer, Connecting Baltimore With Chicago O’Hare and Trenton, N.J. With Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Airlines in North America prioritize investments in cyber, AI
The evolution of the airline uniform — a cross check
Retired colonel reflects on flying missions across three wars
Policy
Webp 9d8e4n9zvnq6npvse1f7c4oouh5n
Airbus A380 | Airbus

Col. Richard Heyman, a retired US Air Force officer, shared his experiences from a career that spanned three major conflicts: World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Heyman's journey began with a strong desire to serve his country following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Despite being too young to enlist immediately, he joined the military after completing high school.

Heyman completed pilot training in 1943 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the US Army Air Forces. He was stationed in the United Kingdom with the Eighth Air Force during World War II, where he flew approximately 125 missions in a Lockheed P-38 Lightning on bomber escort duty. Reflecting on his experience, Heyman said, “There were moments of sheer terror,” but emphasized that focus on the mission was paramount.

Following World War II, Heyman returned to civilian life but was recalled for service during the Korean War. He flew an A-26 Invader with the Third Bomb Wing and participated in between 50 and 75 missions. One notable incident involved downing a North Korean Po-2 biplane during a night mission.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

In Vietnam, Heyman served as a squadron commander and flew 125 missions in an F-105 Thunderchief. The aircraft faced high attrition rates due to enemy ground fire. On leadership, Heyman stated, “You lead by example; if you're in the air, you're part of the team.”

Heyman's military career concluded with numerous awards including a Silver Star and four Distinguished Flying Crosses. His dedication serves as an example for future generations.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Ethiopian Airlines has announced the expansion of its cargo network in Asia with the introduction of a new route to Urumqi, China.

Jun 30, 2025

The United States Air Force remains the largest operator of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jet.

Jun 29, 2025

The Brazilian aviation regulatory authority, ANAC, has ordered the permanent closure of Voepass Linhas Aéreas.

Jun 29, 2025

Europe's airline market may soon experience a significant shift as the European Union moves to prohibit airlines from charging passengers extra for hand luggage.

Jun 29, 2025

On June 13, 2025, it was reported that Airbus is set to begin flight tests for two new variants of its popular wide-body jet, the Airbus A350.

Jun 29, 2025

The integration of ITA Airways into the Lufthansa Group marks a significant development in European commercial aviation.

Jun 29, 2025