On Friday, May 10, 1963, the Moberly (MO) Monitor-Index and Moberly Evening Democrat reported Dick Collier's death as follows:
CADET RICHARD COLLIER KILLED ON MARINE TRAINING FLIGHT
Marine Aviation Cadet Richard Kent Collier, 24-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Collier, 415 South William street, was killed yesterday when his Navy F-11 jet fighter plane crashed near San Diego, Texas.
A message to the family from his commander said Cadet Collier ejected unsuccessfully from his aircraft. Information obtained by the father here was that his parachute opened only partially. An official inquiry was ordered to determine the cause of the failure.
The death of Cadet Collier, only about two weeks before he was to receive his wings on completion of his training, was the second tragedy in four months to strike the Collier home. An older brother, Jim Collier, was killed on New Year's Eve in a two-car crash on Highway 63 south of Moberly.
ON TRAINING FLIGHT
The younger brother was on a routine training flight yesterday from his base, the U.S. Naval Auxiliary Air Station at Kingsville, Texas. He was accompanied by an instructor and two other cadets, in separate planes. Young Collier reported his oil pressure low. He cut his engine, then turned it on again, but it failed to function. He messaged that he would have to eject.
The planes had been at 9,000 to 10,000 feet altitude, Mr. Collier was told last night. Whether the craft had lost so much altitude that there was not time for the parachute to open, or whether the chute was defective, had not been determined.
A message to the parents from Commander R. H. R. Padbury said:
"I deeply regret to inform you on behalf of the U.S. Navy that your son, Marine Cadet Richard Kent Collier, USMCR, died on 9 May, 1963, at 11:10 a.m., local time, approximately three miles southwest of San Diego, Texas, when he unsuccessfully ejected from his aircraft. A telegram requesting your wishes concerning necessary arrangements follows. Your son died while serving his country. Please accept my most heartfelt sympathy in your great loss."
Cadet Collier was born Oct. 14, 1938, in Moberly. He attended Moberly schools and after his high school graduation he enlisted in the Marine Corps, serving 14 months in Honolulu. Following his discharge he attended Central Missouri State College at Warrensburg for two years, then enlisted in the Marine Aviation pilot training program about 1-1/2 years ago. He was on one of his last training flights yesterday and would have been commissioned in about two weeks.
Besides his parents, his is survived by a sister, Catherine Linn Collier, of the home.
The body is to be returned, with a Marine escort, to the Cater Funeral Home, but the time of arrival is not yet known, and funeral arrangements have not been completed.
The family, it was learned, will be comforted if, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to a memorial fund for both sons that is being created by friends of the family. The fund will provide a permanent memorial in Central Christian Church, of which the family are members.
-----------------
From the 14 June 1963 Moberly (MO) Monitor-Index:
POSTHUMOUS PROMOTION TO MARINE FLIER
Parents Receive Commission And Wings of Lt. Dick Collier
Richard Kent Collier, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Collier, who was killed in a Marine Corps airplane training accident May 9, has been appointed posthumously as a second lieutenant in the Reserve of the United States Marine Corps, and designated as a naval aviator.
Mr. and Mrs. Collier yesterday received their son's naval aviator's wings, documents on the commission and aviator designation and a letter from Gen. David M. Shoup, commandant of the marine Corps. The letter follows:
"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Collier: As you may know, your son, Richard K. Collier, applied for a commission in the Reserve of the U. S. Marine Corps while in training as a Marine Aviation Cadet at Kingsville, Texas. Richard was recommended for this appointment by his commanding officer, and was to receive his commission during the month of May 1963.
Although I realize there is nothing we might do or say that will alleviate your sorrow or minimize your loss, it is our desire that Richard's military achievements be appropriately recognized. Accordingly, we requested that Richard be posthumously promoted to the grade of Second Lieutenant from the date he was recommended by his commanding officer. On May 29, 1963, the President of the United States authorized the enclosed appointment. The records of the U. S. Marine Corps have been corrected to show that Richard K. Collier was serving in the rank of Second Lieutenant, U. S. Marine Corps Reserve, on 9 May 1963.
In his memory I trust you will accept the enclosed commission and Richard's designation as a Naval Aviator, together with insignia and diploma, as a token of his meritorious service and the high regard of his Marine comrades."
CADET RICHARD COLLIER KILLED ON MARINE TRAINING FLIGHT
Marine Aviation Cadet Richard Kent Collier, 24-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Collier, 415 South William street, was killed yesterday when his Navy F-11 jet fighter plane crashed near San Diego, Texas.
A message to the family from his commander said Cadet Collier ejected unsuccessfully from his aircraft. Information obtained by the father here was that his parachute opened only partially. An official inquiry was ordered to determine the cause of the failure.
The death of Cadet Collier, only about two weeks before he was to receive his wings on completion of his training, was the second tragedy in four months to strike the Collier home. An older brother, Jim Collier, was killed on New Year's Eve in a two-car crash on Highway 63 south of Moberly.
ON TRAINING FLIGHT
The younger brother was on a routine training flight yesterday from his base, the U.S. Naval Auxiliary Air Station at Kingsville, Texas. He was accompanied by an instructor and two other cadets, in separate planes. Young Collier reported his oil pressure low. He cut his engine, then turned it on again, but it failed to function. He messaged that he would have to eject.
The planes had been at 9,000 to 10,000 feet altitude, Mr. Collier was told last night. Whether the craft had lost so much altitude that there was not time for the parachute to open, or whether the chute was defective, had not been determined.
A message to the parents from Commander R. H. R. Padbury said:
"I deeply regret to inform you on behalf of the U.S. Navy that your son, Marine Cadet Richard Kent Collier, USMCR, died on 9 May, 1963, at 11:10 a.m., local time, approximately three miles southwest of San Diego, Texas, when he unsuccessfully ejected from his aircraft. A telegram requesting your wishes concerning necessary arrangements follows. Your son died while serving his country. Please accept my most heartfelt sympathy in your great loss."
Cadet Collier was born Oct. 14, 1938, in Moberly. He attended Moberly schools and after his high school graduation he enlisted in the Marine Corps, serving 14 months in Honolulu. Following his discharge he attended Central Missouri State College at Warrensburg for two years, then enlisted in the Marine Aviation pilot training program about 1-1/2 years ago. He was on one of his last training flights yesterday and would have been commissioned in about two weeks.
Besides his parents, his is survived by a sister, Catherine Linn Collier, of the home.
The body is to be returned, with a Marine escort, to the Cater Funeral Home, but the time of arrival is not yet known, and funeral arrangements have not been completed.
The family, it was learned, will be comforted if, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to a memorial fund for both sons that is being created by friends of the family. The fund will provide a permanent memorial in Central Christian Church, of which the family are members.
-----------------
From the 14 June 1963 Moberly (MO) Monitor-Index:
POSTHUMOUS PROMOTION TO MARINE FLIER
Parents Receive Commission And Wings of Lt. Dick Collier
Richard Kent Collier, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Collier, who was killed in a Marine Corps airplane training accident May 9, has been appointed posthumously as a second lieutenant in the Reserve of the United States Marine Corps, and designated as a naval aviator.
Mr. and Mrs. Collier yesterday received their son's naval aviator's wings, documents on the commission and aviator designation and a letter from Gen. David M. Shoup, commandant of the marine Corps. The letter follows:
"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Collier: As you may know, your son, Richard K. Collier, applied for a commission in the Reserve of the U. S. Marine Corps while in training as a Marine Aviation Cadet at Kingsville, Texas. Richard was recommended for this appointment by his commanding officer, and was to receive his commission during the month of May 1963.
Although I realize there is nothing we might do or say that will alleviate your sorrow or minimize your loss, it is our desire that Richard's military achievements be appropriately recognized. Accordingly, we requested that Richard be posthumously promoted to the grade of Second Lieutenant from the date he was recommended by his commanding officer. On May 29, 1963, the President of the United States authorized the enclosed appointment. The records of the U. S. Marine Corps have been corrected to show that Richard K. Collier was serving in the rank of Second Lieutenant, U. S. Marine Corps Reserve, on 9 May 1963.
In his memory I trust you will accept the enclosed commission and Richard's designation as a Naval Aviator, together with insignia and diploma, as a token of his meritorious service and the high regard of his Marine comrades."
On Friday, May 10, 1963, the Moberly (MO) Monitor-Index and Moberly Evening Democrat reported Dick Collier's death as follows:
CADET RICHARD COLLIER KILLED ON MARINE TRAINING FLIGHT
Marine Aviation Cadet Richard Kent Collier, 24-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Collier, 415 South William street, was killed yesterday when his Navy F-11 jet fighter plane crashed near San Diego, Texas.
A message to the family from his commander said Cadet Collier ejected unsuccessfully from his aircraft. Information obtained by the father here was that his parachute opened only partially. An official inquiry was ordered to determine the cause of the failure.
The death of Cadet Collier, only about two weeks before he was to receive his wings on completion of his training, was the second tragedy in four months to strike the Collier home. An older brother, Jim Collier, was killed on New Year's Eve in a two-car crash on Highway 63 south of Moberly.
ON TRAINING FLIGHT
The younger brother was on a routine training flight yesterday from his base, the U.S. Naval Auxiliary Air Station at Kingsville, Texas. He was accompanied by an instructor and two other cadets, in separate planes. Young Collier reported his oil pressure low. He cut his engine, then turned it on again, but it failed to function. He messaged that he would have to eject.
The planes had been at 9,000 to 10,000 feet altitude, Mr. Collier was told last night. Whether the craft had lost so much altitude that there was not time for the parachute to open, or whether the chute was defective, had not been determined.
A message to the parents from Commander R. H. R. Padbury said:
"I deeply regret to inform you on behalf of the U.S. Navy that your son, Marine Cadet Richard Kent Collier, USMCR, died on 9 May, 1963, at 11:10 a.m., local time, approximately three miles southwest of San Diego, Texas, when he unsuccessfully ejected from his aircraft. A telegram requesting your wishes concerning necessary arrangements follows. Your son died while serving his country. Please accept my most heartfelt sympathy in your great loss."
Cadet Collier was born Oct. 14, 1938, in Moberly. He attended Moberly schools and after his high school graduation he enlisted in the Marine Corps, serving 14 months in Honolulu. Following his discharge he attended Central Missouri State College at Warrensburg for two years, then enlisted in the Marine Aviation pilot training program about 1-1/2 years ago. He was on one of his last training flights yesterday and would have been commissioned in about two weeks.
Besides his parents, his is survived by a sister, Catherine Linn Collier, of the home.
The body is to be returned, with a Marine escort, to the Cater Funeral Home, but the time of arrival is not yet known, and funeral arrangements have not been completed.
The family, it was learned, will be comforted if, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to a memorial fund for both sons that is being created by friends of the family. The fund will provide a permanent memorial in Central Christian Church, of which the family are members.
-----------------
From the 14 June 1963 Moberly (MO) Monitor-Index:
POSTHUMOUS PROMOTION TO MARINE FLIER
Parents Receive Commission And Wings of Lt. Dick Collier
Richard Kent Collier, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Collier, who was killed in a Marine Corps airplane training accident May 9, has been appointed posthumously as a second lieutenant in the Reserve of the United States Marine Corps, and designated as a naval aviator.
Mr. and Mrs. Collier yesterday received their son's naval aviator's wings, documents on the commission and aviator designation and a letter from Gen. David M. Shoup, commandant of the marine Corps. The letter follows:
"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Collier: As you may know, your son, Richard K. Collier, applied for a commission in the Reserve of the U. S. Marine Corps while in training as a Marine Aviation Cadet at Kingsville, Texas. Richard was recommended for this appointment by his commanding officer, and was to receive his commission during the month of May 1963.
Although I realize there is nothing we might do or say that will alleviate your sorrow or minimize your loss, it is our desire that Richard's military achievements be appropriately recognized. Accordingly, we requested that Richard be posthumously promoted to the grade of Second Lieutenant from the date he was recommended by his commanding officer. On May 29, 1963, the President of the United States authorized the enclosed appointment. The records of the U. S. Marine Corps have been corrected to show that Richard K. Collier was serving in the rank of Second Lieutenant, U. S. Marine Corps Reserve, on 9 May 1963.
In his memory I trust you will accept the enclosed commission and Richard's designation as a Naval Aviator, together with insignia and diploma, as a token of his meritorious service and the high regard of his Marine comrades."
CADET RICHARD COLLIER KILLED ON MARINE TRAINING FLIGHT
Marine Aviation Cadet Richard Kent Collier, 24-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Collier, 415 South William street, was killed yesterday when his Navy F-11 jet fighter plane crashed near San Diego, Texas.
A message to the family from his commander said Cadet Collier ejected unsuccessfully from his aircraft. Information obtained by the father here was that his parachute opened only partially. An official inquiry was ordered to determine the cause of the failure.
The death of Cadet Collier, only about two weeks before he was to receive his wings on completion of his training, was the second tragedy in four months to strike the Collier home. An older brother, Jim Collier, was killed on New Year's Eve in a two-car crash on Highway 63 south of Moberly.
ON TRAINING FLIGHT
The younger brother was on a routine training flight yesterday from his base, the U.S. Naval Auxiliary Air Station at Kingsville, Texas. He was accompanied by an instructor and two other cadets, in separate planes. Young Collier reported his oil pressure low. He cut his engine, then turned it on again, but it failed to function. He messaged that he would have to eject.
The planes had been at 9,000 to 10,000 feet altitude, Mr. Collier was told last night. Whether the craft had lost so much altitude that there was not time for the parachute to open, or whether the chute was defective, had not been determined.
A message to the parents from Commander R. H. R. Padbury said:
"I deeply regret to inform you on behalf of the U.S. Navy that your son, Marine Cadet Richard Kent Collier, USMCR, died on 9 May, 1963, at 11:10 a.m., local time, approximately three miles southwest of San Diego, Texas, when he unsuccessfully ejected from his aircraft. A telegram requesting your wishes concerning necessary arrangements follows. Your son died while serving his country. Please accept my most heartfelt sympathy in your great loss."
Cadet Collier was born Oct. 14, 1938, in Moberly. He attended Moberly schools and after his high school graduation he enlisted in the Marine Corps, serving 14 months in Honolulu. Following his discharge he attended Central Missouri State College at Warrensburg for two years, then enlisted in the Marine Aviation pilot training program about 1-1/2 years ago. He was on one of his last training flights yesterday and would have been commissioned in about two weeks.
Besides his parents, his is survived by a sister, Catherine Linn Collier, of the home.
The body is to be returned, with a Marine escort, to the Cater Funeral Home, but the time of arrival is not yet known, and funeral arrangements have not been completed.
The family, it was learned, will be comforted if, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to a memorial fund for both sons that is being created by friends of the family. The fund will provide a permanent memorial in Central Christian Church, of which the family are members.
-----------------
From the 14 June 1963 Moberly (MO) Monitor-Index:
POSTHUMOUS PROMOTION TO MARINE FLIER
Parents Receive Commission And Wings of Lt. Dick Collier
Richard Kent Collier, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Collier, who was killed in a Marine Corps airplane training accident May 9, has been appointed posthumously as a second lieutenant in the Reserve of the United States Marine Corps, and designated as a naval aviator.
Mr. and Mrs. Collier yesterday received their son's naval aviator's wings, documents on the commission and aviator designation and a letter from Gen. David M. Shoup, commandant of the marine Corps. The letter follows:
"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Collier: As you may know, your son, Richard K. Collier, applied for a commission in the Reserve of the U. S. Marine Corps while in training as a Marine Aviation Cadet at Kingsville, Texas. Richard was recommended for this appointment by his commanding officer, and was to receive his commission during the month of May 1963.
Although I realize there is nothing we might do or say that will alleviate your sorrow or minimize your loss, it is our desire that Richard's military achievements be appropriately recognized. Accordingly, we requested that Richard be posthumously promoted to the grade of Second Lieutenant from the date he was recommended by his commanding officer. On May 29, 1963, the President of the United States authorized the enclosed appointment. The records of the U. S. Marine Corps have been corrected to show that Richard K. Collier was serving in the rank of Second Lieutenant, U. S. Marine Corps Reserve, on 9 May 1963.
In his memory I trust you will accept the enclosed commission and Richard's designation as a Naval Aviator, together with insignia and diploma, as a token of his meritorious service and the high regard of his Marine comrades."
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
