Richard J. Meadows

Richard J. Meadows
Nickname"Dick"
Born(1931-06-16)June 16, 1931
DiedJuly 29, 1995(1995-07-29) (aged 64)
Buried
AllegianceUnited States
BranchUnited States Army
Service years1947–1977
RankMajor
UnitUnited States Army Rangers
7th Special Forces Group
8th Special Forces Group
Special Air Service
MACV-SOG
Delta Force (as civilian consultant)
Conflicts
AwardsDistinguished Service Cross
Silver Star (2)
Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star Medal

Richard James Meadows (June 16, 1931 – July 29, 1995) was a United States Army Special Forces officer who saw combat in Korea and Vietnam. He was a key figure in the Operation Eagle Claw in 1980, the rescue operation for the hostages of the Iran hostage crisis. He was a pivotal figure in the creation of the modern U.S. Army Special Forces.