Richard Cowden served in the U.S. Air Force as a First Lieutenant in the Korean War, 16th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Group. On March 9, 1953, he flew on a combat mission in his F-86E Sabrejet fighter bomber when he engaged with two MiG-15s. His aircraft was hit, crashed and burst into flames. His remains were not recovered. According to a family letter dated March 6, he had finished 87 missions and was soon to be sent home. Lieutenant Cowden was awarded the following awards: Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
