Richard Dean Lake

Sergeant First Class Richard Dean Lake was born in Rockford, Illinois, in 1930. After high school graduation, he enlisted in the Army in January 1951. He completed Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training, and the demanding Military Radio Operator Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. In 1955, while stationed in Europe, he completed leadership training at the NCO Academy. His career included assignments in Korea, Germany, Fort Riley, and the Fort Sill Artillery School.

In December 1966, Lake deployed to Vietnam with A Company, 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division—the “Old Reliables”—for combat operations with the US Navy’s Mobile Riverine Force in the Mekong Delta. On 2 May 1967, during a combat patrol, Lake’s platoon conducted a river rope crossing when two soldiers lost their grip and fell into the water. Without hesitation and at great personal risk, Lake entered the river and sequentially rescued both soldiers from drowning. His extraordinary courage and selfless actions earned him the Soldier’s Medal for heroism.

Later that year, Lake became Communications Chief for Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the “Old Reliables,” a critical position he held until returning from Vietnam in December 1967. Assigned to Fort Sill in 1968, Lake served as Communications Chief for A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 79th Artillery, and later as NCOIC of the Field Artillery Drill Sergeant School. His leadership and example brought distinction to the Fort Sill Academy. Lake’s other awards include the Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman Badge, Purple Heart, and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm.

After retiring from the Army in 1971, Lake served Lawton Public Schools as head carpenter until retirement in 1994. An avid golfer, he volunteered as a marshal for PGA and LPGA tournaments in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Lake died in 2013 and rests at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Lawton, Oklahoma.