Colonel Richard “Dick” L. Hellwege

Colonel Richard “Dick” L. Hellwege

Colonel Richard “Dick” L. Hellwege was born on December 4, 1927 in Olean, New York.  His family later moved to Erie where Dick attended Academy High School.  He was an excellent swimmer.  He set a State record in the 100 yard backstroke in 1944.  Dick graduated from Academy in 1945.

 

In December 1944, Dick put plans to become a doctor on hold to enlist in the US Army.  Because his Army IQ entry exam scores were so high, Dick was selected for the Army Specialized Training Program.  He was ordered to Bolling Field in Washington, D.C. as the assistant director of physical training for the base personnel and those individuals assigned to the Pentagon.

 

While in Washington, a friend encouraged Dick to try for the pilot training program.  Dick passed the entrance exam with “flying colors”!  At 19, Dick went to Texas to begin pilot training at Randolph Field.

 

Colonel Hellwege mastered flying the F-84, the P-51, and the P-47.  Just prior to the start of the Korean War, he transferred to the 78th Fighter Group at Hamilton Air Force Base in California and volunteered to go to Korea.  He flew with the 8th Fighter Group and master flying the F-80C Jet.  Colonel Hellwege was soon assigned to the F-86 (Sabre Jet) Unit of the 84th Fighter Interception Squadron.  He and a group of other pilots formed the official Air Force jet acrobatic team-the Sabre Knights who would be later known as “the Thunderbirds”.  The group flew many shows and entertained thousands with their acrobatic skills.

 

Following the last show on July 31, 1955, Colonel Hellwege requested a 2 to 3 year assignment with a US Navy Fighter Squadron.  He quickly learned the intricacies of taking off from and landing on an air craft carrier.  Colonel Hellwege became a centurion with over 100 carrier landings.

 

Over the next several years, Colonel Hellwege moved through a succession of senior staff positions at various Air Force bases.  During this time, he attended college at night and on weekends.  He graduated in 1961 with a Bachelors Degree in International Affairs and Geography from the University of California.  Colonel Hellwege later earned a Masters Degree from George Washington University in the same field.  He earned a second Masters Degree in Industrial Management from the National Defense University.

 

Colonel Hellwege retired from the United State Air Force on September 1, 1975.  During his career he logged many flight hours in various fighters and received much recognition.  His honors include two Distinguished Flying Crosses, five Air Medals, five Major Battle Stars, and a Meritorious Service Medal.

 

After retiring from the Air Force, Colonel Hellwege took a position with a major international manufacturer of aviation electronics. He retired from a senior executive position from that company in 1992.  He lives in Southwest Florida with his wife of 35 years, Moira.