RICHARD ALBERT GREEN

Branch of Service: Army

Rank: First Lieutenant

Service years: 1970-1971

Honors: Purple Heart and Bronze Star

Glen Rock: Grew up in Glen Rock on Thornbury Ave

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     Richard Green grew up in Glen Rock on Thornbuty Ave, graduating from Glen Rock High School in 1966. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Howard Green. He was an Eagle Scout, a high school fencer, and an active member of All Saints Youth Group. Richard Green went on to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he majored in science and fenced in NCAA competitions. While he was a cadet, his parents moved to New York State and then to Manchester, Vermont.  

    First Lieutenant Richard A. Green was a platoon leader serving with F Troop, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry. He first served in West Germany, and then in October of 1970  was shipped out to Vietnam. First Lieutenant Green distinguished himself on 13 November 1971 as Patrol Leader with F Troop, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment during an ambush patrol near Tay Ninh Province. After a twenty-two-hour vigil, First Lieutenant Green observed three personnel entering the ambush zone. Disregarding his own safety, he exposed himself to the men and apprehended them. After sending the individuals to higher headquarters for questioning, First Lieutenant Green returned his patrol to its position, where he observed two enemy insurgents entering the ambush zone. He waited until both were in the kill zone, a short distance from his position, then engaged them with claymore mines. Exposing himself to possible enemy fire, he moved into a position where he could best control his people and led them on a sweep of the immediate area. First Lieutenant Green’s exceptional leadership and courage resulted in his patrol suffering no casualties. He was instrumental in killing two enemy insurgents and capturing two AK-66 automatic rifles with ammunition. First Lieutenant Green’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, United States Army Vietnam General Orders No. 26 (5 January 1972)

      "Dick" left behind many friends who have wonderful memories of him.  It includes the following reminiscences from a younger high school friend: 

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"Dick was an Eagle Scout, but he was also the Senior Patrol Leader of Troop 17 (now defunct) and was admitted to the exclusive Order of the Arrow, which is best described as a sort of highest achievement honor society in the Scouts and requires the candidate to undergo an "ordeal" based on Native American culture in order to be admitted. Dick was a Crucifer (Episcopalian for altar boy) for 4 years at All Saints, eventually becoming Captain of the Crucifers. Finally, Dick liked cars and had restored a Model A Ford before leaving for West Point and the Army. The car was a beauty, but he hadn't yet replaced the floorboards, so you had to be careful getting in and out, rest your feet on the framing, and you had a great view of the street passing under the car!"

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Born: 1948, Glen Rock, New Jersey

Died: 1971 Tah Ninh, Republic of Vietnam