Richard J. Meadows

Richard J. Meadows
Nickname(s)"Dick"
Born(1931-06-16)June 16, 1931
Alleghany County, Virginia, U.S.
DiedJuly 29, 1995(1995-07-29) (aged 64)
Fort Walton Beach, Florida, U.S.
Buried
AllegianceUnited States
BranchUnited States Army
Years of service1947–1977
RankMajor
UnitUnited States Army Rangers
7th Special Forces Group
8th Special Forces Group
Special Air Service
MACV-SOG
Delta Force (as civilian consultant)
Battles / wars
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.