George Lynde Richardson ’41

George died June 29, 2003, after a long, debilitating illness.

He came to us sophomore year, having spent his freshman year at Williams College. He previously graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy.

An English major, George roomed with John L. Scott.

Enlisting in the Army Air Corps in December 1941, he became a gunner on B-17s, seeing combat first in the Australia-New Guinea theater, then transferring to Europe in October 1943.

He flew 35 combat missions, winning the Airman's Medal and the Purple Heart. Discharged in October 1945, he attended Columbia Law School, receiving his degree in 1947.

George re-enlisted in 1949, serving in the Judge Advocate Division in Germany, Japan, Korea, and other locations. He retired as lieutenant colonel after 24 years of active military service.

Moving to Arlington, Va., he spent the next 26 years in civil service before retiring, for a total of 50 years in the nation's service. Active in local politics, he served on the vestry of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. George ran in many marathons, right up to the time he became incapacitated.

He is survived by his wife, Birgit Tisell Richardson, whom he married in December 1957. His interment was at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

The Class of 1941