Richard P. Keirn | |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Pop |
| Born | July 29, 1924 Akron, Ohio |
| Died | May 22, 2000 (aged 75) Melbourne, Florida |
| Buried | Florida Memorial Gardens |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service | United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1942–1976 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Battles / wars | World War II Vietnam War |
| Awards | Silver Star Legion of Merit (2) Distinguished Flying Cross (3) Bronze Star Medal (2)[1] |
| Relations | Steve Keirn (son) |
Richard Paul Keirn (29 July 1924 – 22 May 2000) was a colonel and fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. He was one of two United States service members to be a prisoner of war (POW) in both World War II and the Vietnam War and was the first US airman to be shot down by a surface-to-air missile (SAM) during the Vietnam War.