It is with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of Rear Admiral Richard Lee Becker on 23 July 2024 at age 81. Rear Admiral Becker was commissioned an ensign in 1965 and served as a special duty officer (public affairs) until his retirement in July 1996. He served in the Vietnam War aboard USS
Harold J. Ellison (DD-864).
Dick Becker graduated from Michigan State in 1965 and was commissioned an ensign. He then reported to the destroyer
Harold J. Ellison.
Harold J. Ellison departed Norfolk on 26 September 1965 and transited with Destroyer Squadron TWO FOUR via the Panama Canal to the Vietnam War zone, where the ship fired more than 1,000 rounds at Viet Cong targets in South Vietnam, in addition to providing plane guard services for carriers on Yankee Station in the Gulf of Tonkin. The ship also participated in Operation Sea Dragon, interdicting Communist seaborne resupply lines along the coast of Vietnam.
Harold J. Ellison then transited through the Indian Ocean and Suez Canal, completing an around-the-world deployment at Norfolk in April 1966.
Lieutenant (j.g.) Becker left active duty in 1968, but retained his commission in the Naval Reserve. Regrettably neither “Navy Flag Matters” nor the Navy Operational Archives has a copy of his flag officer service transcript, so I do not have his dates of rank, list of assignments, list of awards, or list of special qualifications. In his civilian employment, he worked in marketing and advertising in Grand Rapids, Michigan, at Aves Advertising and Old Kent Bank, and managing human resources at Steelcase.
Richard Becker was promoted to rear admiral (lower half) in October 1991. Significant assignments as a flag officer include helping coordinate the 50th anniversary of D-Day celebration in June 1994, which was attended by numerous world leaders. He also coordinated the funerals of President Richard M. Nixon in 1994 and his wife, Patricia, in 1993. He retired on 1 July 1996.
Rear Admiral Becker’s awards (from his one-star photo) include the Navy Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (two or three campaign stars), and Armed Forces Reserve Medal. He probably received additional awards as a flag officer, and his service aboard
Harold J. Ellison should rate a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
According to his online obituary, following retirement from the Naval Reserve, Rear Admiral Becker remained engaged as “Holland Historical Lighthouse commissioner, member of the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission, and he supported the Harbor Humane Society. He served as commodore of the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club, board member of Macatawa Park Cottagers’ Association, and supporter of the Macatawa Bay Junior Association.”
Rear Admiral Becker chose to serve in the U.S. Navy during time of war, and almost immediately deployed for Vietnam and later completed an around-the-world cruise. He then chose to leave active duty and continue to serve in the U.S. Naval Reserve (U.S. Navy Reserve since 2005). Although details are lacking, making flag rank in the Naval Reserve requires extraordinary dedication and leadership, as well as considerable sacrifice in time with family for the privilege to serve. He was described by those who knew him as an exceptional public affairs officer and just an all-around “really good guy.” As a flag officer, he was selected to be the Navy lead for several high-profile events, including the 50th anniversary of the Normandy landings and the state funeral of President Richard M. Nixon. Rear Admiral Becker no doubt carried out his duties in exemplary fashion, and we remember his dedicated service,
Rest in Peace, Admiral Becker.