Background
Born May 4, 1917, in Crafton, Pa., to Harry C. Suehr and Ethlenna Roehrig Suehr.
Wartime History
During World War II, he was assigned to the 39th Fighter Squadron and flew the P-38 Lightning. Nicknamed "Dick". Suehr flew two tours of duty: the first in New Guinea, second in the Philippines.
On June 16, 1942 piloting an Airacoba Suehr took off from 14 Mile Drome on a mission to intercept A6M2 Zeros of the Tainan Kokutai on a fighter sweep over Port Moresby.
On April 12, 1943 Suehr took off from 14 Mile Drome piloting P-38F "Regina I" 42-12654 over Port Moresby to intercept Japanese fighters and bombers. On that mission, he claimed a G4M1 Betty bomber crashing onto Mount Chamberlain, near Goilala.
He remained in USAF service and later flew during Vietnam.
During his military career, he was the recipient of numerous commendations and medals to include two Purple Hearts, the Silver Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Suehr passed away at age 91 on April 21, 2009 at the North Carolina State Veterans Nursing Home in Fayetteville. Laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery at 3 p.m. on July 9, 2009, with full military honors.
Relatives
Wife, Ruth Suehr. Sons: Son, Ralph T. Suehr, Richard "Rick" C. Suehr II of Raleigh; a sister, Nell Bull of Nescopeck, Pa.; and a grandson, Richard Charles Suehr III of Long Beach, CA.
References
World War II: Dick Suehr Flew to Defend Port Moresby by Jon Guttman Aviation History (September 2002)
Fay Observer Richard C. Suehr Obituary April 25, 2009
