A Navy Cross recipient who dedicated his life to protecting the integrity of valor awards has been interred at Arlington National Cemetery with his fellow heroes.
Retired Marine Lt. Col. Thomas Richards was given full military honors at a Tuesday ceremony that was attended by Medal of Honor recipient Barney Barnum and Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. John M. Paxton Jr.
In June 1969, Richards fended off enemy attacks in Vietnam so that wounded Marines could be evacuated. He killed eight enemy troops and prevented the Marine perimeter from collapsing. After retiring, Richards helped Marine Corps Times uncover at least 40 instances in which Marine Corps Association members lied about receiving valor awards, including the Medal of Honor. He died of cancer in June.
On Tuesday, seven white horses pulled a flag-draped caisson in front of the funeral procession which marched to a drumbeat cadence to keep them in rhythm. Half of the Marine escort team marched in front of the colors and the other half behind. When the procession came to a stop, one Marine brought the urn with Richards' remains near the gravesite.
Diane Richards did not expect so many Marines to be there for her husband's interment.
"I was shocked by the entire tribute," she told Marine Corps Times after the ceremony. "I had no idea that they would be there. I was told there may be a few Marines from 8th and I, and had expected one or two representing the Marine Corps. When I walked out and saw this sea of Marines, I was overwhelmed."
After a bugler blew Taps and Richards was presented with a folded flag, Paxton knelt in front of her and embraced her.
"He and Tom were close," she said. "He continually offered his love and support, respect for Tom, what Tom stood for, the work that Tom did for the Marine Corps and for the country; and that the Marine Corps family will forever be mine."
It's fitting that her husband is now at rest in Arlington, she said.
"Tom was humble," she said. "I think to him, certainly he is among comrades. He is among comrades who shared his values and he's also among history, which was his love. His being at Arlington is also an opportunity for his legacy to be continued, something he would hold dear to his heart."
