If you have been at Friday Harbor Airport in Washington state for its annual Fly-In and Community Open House, you have heard its announcer describing the exciting fly-bys of antique and military planes.
But you may not know that you were hearing the voice of Richard Drury. Rick really knows airplanes, especially the giant Douglas Skyraider, which opens the show every year, with its low and loud passes over the runway. He knows that airplane because a part of his flying career included piloting them in combat in Southeast Asia.
The last of the big propeller-driven war planes, the Skyraider flew low and slow, and suffered a high loss rate from enemy ground fire provided by the highest concentration of anti-aircraft guns ever seen, mainly on the infamous Ho Chi Minh Trail areas.
In February 1970, Rick was the on-scene search and rescue commander for the rescue of two downed US Navy crew who had been shot down in their A-6 Intruder along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. With the call sign of Sandy One, he set out at dawn to locate the survivors, suppress any ground fire, and then bring in the rescue helicopters, known as the Jolly Greens.
The survivors, with hand-held radios, helped guide Rick to their jungle position. Anti-aircraft fire became intense, and a war erupted around the two downed pilots. After several hours of a grueling fight, Rick was able to bring in one of the helicopters, guide them to the survivors and affect a pickup. As Rick says, “The best words I heard came from the helicopter pilot who said, ‘Rick, I’ve got both survivors on board. Now get me the hell out of here!’”
For that action, Rick was awarded the nation’s third highest award, the Silver Star for Gallantry in Action.
Forty years later a retired Navy Captain was to speak at Whidbey Naval Air Station about being shot down and rescued. Curiosity aroused, Rick attended, and learned that Captain Evan Reese was indeed one of the men rescued by Rick, and was living in Oak Harbor.
After the military, he flew as a civilian pilot in Laos, and later flew for Flying Tiger Line, piloting the DC-8, B-727 and 747. When FedEx bought Flying Tiger, Rick was among the first to fly the Douglas MD-11 with a glass cockpit. He became a check airman and flew mainly on the Pacific Rim, based in Anchorage. His routes included Japan, China, Singapore, Australia, and various countries along the way.
As a private pilot, Rick owned and flew a North American T-6 flying in airshows with the Condor Squadron out of Van Nuys, California, a Hawker Sea Fury which he flew to a second in class finish in the Reno Air Races, a T-28, and an RV-4, which he flew with the Blackjack Squadron, which has performed annually at the Friday Harbor Fly-In.
His current airplanes are a Great Lakes Biplane, which he restored, and a Stinson 108-3, currently under restoration.
With over 21,000 hours in his logbook, and more than 40 years after his military career, which amounted to 220 combat missions, the Silver Star, four Distinguished Flying Crosses and 23 Air Medals, among others, Rick lives in Friday Harbor with his wife Carol. He has written four books, including “My Secret War” about flying the Skyraider in combat.
With the fifth Annual Friday Harbor Fly-In and Community Open House scheduled for Saturday, July 26, Rick will again man the microphone, as well as act as Air Boss, responsible for bringing interesting aircraft to the show. Asked how he finds the planes, he smiles and says, “Many of my flying pals stayed in and became generals or admirals. I have been able to call them, remind them of things they really don’t want to go public, and we end up with some terrific military airplanes! Or I call up those who went with me to the airlines, have interesting type of airplanes, and they usually fly up and enjoy one of the very best fly-ins available.”
Look for Rick on the outside of the tower providing narrative between the golden era music of Miller and Dorsey. And, if you have a copy of his book, bring it by and he’d be glad to sign it for you.
For more information: FridayHarborFlyIn.blogspot.com
Richard Drury was a student of my father at San Gabriel high school in the sixties. My father was a navy pilot who flew hellcats, corsairs, and wildcats. When Richard went to Vietnam he would write to my father about his missions in the a1 skyraider. Richard sent many letters to my father at that time. My father would read the letters to me whenever he received them. Being they both were military pilots my father kept all his letters. My father passed away a few years ago. I thought Richard might enjoy reading the letters he sent my father during his tour in nam. Richard would know my father as coach Putman. Is there any way you can get in touch with him and give him this letter. thanks
Thank you for the note regarding your father. YES, he was a very special man and I think of him
often, even after all these years. He was a fantastic person, and he helped me greatly during my early years in high school.
Write me at the e-mail address I have provided.
Rick Drury
” Rick will again man the microphone, as well as act as Air Boss”
Not a good move. They are two, totally different obligations that require the best attention for both sides. As an airboss, he needs to be handling airboss operations, not flipping his book for his notes on a T-6 Texan as an announcer, and vice versa.
I know that famous man!!