RICHARD S. BULL, JR., LT, USN

Richard Bull, Jr. '36

Date of birth: January 6, 1913

Date of death: May 8, 1942

Age: 29

Lucky Bag

From the 1936 Lucky Bag:

Richard Salisbury Bull, Jr.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

"Dick"

There was a high pitched whine followed by the familiar roar of a propeller blade cutting the air. As a plane taxied out on the Severn River and poised its wings for flight, another chunk of my study period was gone while the Coach explained how the Navy's air service might be improved. Six feet, two hundred pounds of brawn, Dick learned to play football in that smokiest of cities, Pittsburgh. He made good at Culver and came on to Severn for a last bit of study before signing articles with Uncle Sam. Kicking goals is his specialty but he can block and tackle like a fiend. No red mike is this man, for he believes in doing everything well. He loves athletics, the Navy, and flying. May it always be Dick's good fortune to have many happy landings.

Football 4, 3, 2, 1. N*; Basketball 2, 1; Lacrosse 2, 1; Crew 4; Wrestling 4, 3; N Club; N.A. Choir 4, 3, 2, 1; Two Stripes

Richard Salisbury Bull, Jr.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

"Dick"

There was a high pitched whine followed by the familiar roar of a propeller blade cutting the air. As a plane taxied out on the Severn River and poised its wings for flight, another chunk of my study period was gone while the Coach explained how the Navy's air service might be improved. Six feet, two hundred pounds of brawn, Dick learned to play football in that smokiest of cities, Pittsburgh. He made good at Culver and came on to Severn for a last bit of study before signing articles with Uncle Sam. Kicking goals is his specialty but he can block and tackle like a fiend. No red mike is this man, for he believes in doing everything well. He loves athletics, the Navy, and flying. May it always be Dick's good fortune to have many happy landings.

Football 4, 3, 2, 1. N*; Basketball 2, 1; Lacrosse 2, 1; Crew 4; Wrestling 4, 3; N Club; N.A. Choir 4, 3, 2, 1; Two Stripes

Loss

Richard was lost when his aircraft was shot down during the Battle of the Coral Sea on May 8, 1942. He was the 5th Division Leader of Fighting Squadron (VF) 2 and was "escorting the group commander" when he was lost. He had joined the squadron in mid-December 1941; he was "a former VF-42 pilot, [and had just come from Britain, where he had been an aviation observer."]

His wife was listed as next of kin; she passed away in 1981.

Distinguished Flying Cross

From Hall of Valor:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Richard Salisbury Bull, Jr. (NSN: 0-77208), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in action against Japanese forces in the Coral Sea on 7 and 8 May 1942. He engaged enemy aircraft with utter disregard for personal safety and contributed materially to the defense of our forces. In this action he gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country.
General Orders: Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 2050 (June 28, 1942)
Action Date: May 7 & 8, 1942
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant

Namesake

Both USS Richard S. Bull (DE 402) and USS Bull (DE 693) were named for Richard. Richard S. Bull was sponsored by his mother; Bull was sponsored by his widow.

Class of 1936

Richard is one of 39 members of the Class of 1936 on Virtual Memorial Hall.