Staff Sergeant Richard Nelson DeFoor, Sr. (1922-2003)
(December 8, 1922 – September 13, 2003)
Richard N. DeFoor, Sr., affectionately known as “Dick,” was born December 8, 1922, and was the son of the late Charles and Mary Bridges DeFoor of Atlanta, Georgia. He was a graduate of Warren G. Harding High School and a devoted member of Grace African Methodist Episcopal Church in Warren, Ohio.
On August 29, 1942, Richard proudly answered the call to serve his country when he was inducted into the U.S. Army Air Forces as a member of the 1928th Engineer Aviation Company at Camp Perry, Ohio. Serving as a Tool Room Keeper, he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSG) and was deployed to the Southern Philippines during World War II. For his courageous service, SSG DeFoor earned numerous commendations, including the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, Bronze Star, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon, and Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged from the Army on January 14, 1946.
The very next day, January 15, 1946, Richard continued his military service by joining the U.S. Air Force, where he served with the Tuskegee Airmen 332nd Support Squad Fighter Single Engine Maintenance and Support Group as a Supply Technician at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. He remained in this role until his honorable discharge on January 14, 1949, at Lockbourne Air Force Base in Columbus, Ohio. His military records listed his height as 5’ 9 ½ and weight at 175 pounds then.
On April 6, 1949, Richard began an extraordinary civilian career with the Department of the Army, dedicating over four decades of service to his country. His career included assignments at:
- Lordstown Military Reserve in Warren, Ohio (1949–1957)
- Rossford Army Depot in Toledo, Ohio (1957–1962)
- Erie Army Depot in Port Clinton, Ohio (1962–1965)
- New Cumberland Army Depot in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania (1965–1987)
Throughout his career, Richard held a wide range of critical roles, including munitions handler, inventory management specialist, warehouse worker and supervisor, production expeditor, material identifier, and classifier.
He retired in 1987 from the New Cumberland Army Depot as a Chemical Equipment Inspector in the Directorate for Quality Assurance’s General Supply Receiving QC Branch, concluding an exceptional 44 years, 7 months, and 18 days of federal service. A testament to his discipline and dedication, Richard maintained a perfect sick leave record, accumulating 3,956 hours. Reflecting on this remarkable achievement, he humbly stated, “I’ve been blessed. Of course, there have been days when I didn’t feel great, but I’ve never been seriously ill or injured.”
Richard was called home to glory in his 81st year on Saturday, September 13, 2003, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
He leaves behind a loving legacy through his devoted wife, Thelma DeFoor; his children, Dwayne T., Timothy L. (Pennsylvania Auditor General), Denise B., Richard N. Jr., all of Harrisburg, and Clifford D. and daughter-in-law Allison of Pottstown, Pennsylvania; as well as five cherished grandchildren—Danielle, Ana, Timothy B, Addison, and Ava—and a host of extended family and friends.
His legacy of service continued through his daughter, Master Sergeant Belinda R. DeFoor, who passed away in 2024. A proud veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, she dedicated 31 years of service to the United States. Her distinguished career included honors such as the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, and Humanitarian Service Medal. She served with distinction in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, the 193rd Special Operations Medical Group, and the United States Air Force Reserve. While deployed in Kirkuk, she was recognized as a member of the “Kirkuk 7” and credited with contributing to intelligence efforts that led to the capture of Saddam Hussein.
Together, Richard and his family exemplify a powerful legacy of service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to both country and community.
