Richard "Dick" Walker
U.S. Navy 1953 – 1954, U.S. Air Force 1958 – 1965
Dick Walker, born in Nashville, Tennessee, enlisted in the Navy during the Korean War and later transitioned into aviation through Air Force ROTC at Florida State University. He served actively in the Air Force, flying B-47 and B-52 bombers during critical periods like the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War. Following military service, Dick enjoyed a lengthy civilian aviation career with National Airlines and PanAm, flying globally and experiencing historic events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall. Today, Dick lives in Tallahassee, Florida, actively participating in veterans’ groups and aviation communities.
Full Interview
Interview Summary
Access the complete transcript here
Introduction and early life (0:47 – 2:13)
Enlistment and early military career (2:13 – 5:20)
Transition to the Air Force and ROTC (5:20 – 8:32)
Cold War and Cuban Missile Crisis (8:32 – 12:14)
Vietnam War and military aviation (12:14 – 22:03)
Commercial airline career, Civil Air Fleet, reflections and Berlin (22:03 – 30:01)
Family, military life, and friendships (30:01 – 40:18)
Veterans organizations and community involvement (40:18 – 46:20)
Notable flight experiences and emergencies (46:20 – 53:12)
Final reflections on military and civilian life 53:12 – 01:16:13)
