Lt Col Richard Cullen "Dick" Brims
PAVE LOW Pilot #47

Lt Col Dick Brims was killed in an HH-53H mishap during exercise ELATED CYCLONE in the Nevada test range on May 21st, 1986.

Dick Brims was born December 27th, 1945.

He was a pilot with the 21st SOS during the Mayaguez Incident and received
the Air Force Cross for his heroic actions for his role in the mission.

His citiation is as follows:

The Air Force Cross is presented to Richard C. Brims, First Lieutenant, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Helicopter Aircraft Commander on 15 May, 1975.  On that date, while engaged in the recovery of the S.S. Mayaguez and crew, Lieutenant Brims successfully landed United States Marines on Koh Tang Island despite overwhelming ground fire.  Prior to leaving the island, Lieutenant Brims held his position against heavy ground fire and managed to extract five seriously wounded Marines.  He then twice flew his aircraft into intense ground fire, successfully removing remaining groups of United States Marines.  Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Lieutenant Brims reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Dick left behind his wife, Christina; his Mother, Mrs. Quindanell Brims (also deceased June 1999); his sisters, Janet (Brims) Fukuda, and Susan/Nancy Brims.

Interment: Major Richard Cullen Brims, United States Air Force Academy Cemetery, El Paso County, Colorado USA, Section 006, Row A, Plot 030.

Maryvale High School, Phoenix, AZ - Alumni Site