RICHARD A. OMAN
American Legion Post 302
Richard A. Oman
Born on November 4, 1942, Richard Arlen Oman had deep roots in the Hutto and Georgetown communities of Central Texas. He graduated from Hutto High School in 1961 before continuing his education at Texas A&M University, where he graduated with the Class of 1965. Texas A&M continues to recognize Richard among the Aggies whose names appear on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
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Following college, Richard pursued a career in education. A fellow soldier later remembered that Richard had taught agriculture in Georgetown, while local records indicate that he was teaching in Fayetteville when he was drafted into the United States Army in the fall of 1968. His work as an agricultural educator reflected his commitment to helping young people develop practical knowledge and prepare for their futures.
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Friends remembered Richard as a dedicated teacher, a proud Texan and a man who cared deeply about his community. Even while serving in Vietnam, he frequently spoke about Georgetown and his life back home. His Central Texas upbringing, Aggie education and service as a teacher remained important parts of his identity throughout his life.
Early Life and Education
Military Service
Following his entry into the United States Army in late 1968, Richard A. Oman began his tour in Vietnam on January 10, 1969. He served as a Corporal with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.
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Richard was assigned to the Fire Direction Center of the 4.2-inch Mortar Section. This was a demanding and critical position that required him to monitor radio communications from companies throughout the battalion and prepare accurate firing data whenever American troops encountered enemy forces.
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His duties continued around the clock. In addition to calculating mortar support, Richard helped prepare ammunition, plotted defensive firing positions, tracked nighttime operations, and recorded the locations of observation posts, ambush positions, and allied units operating in the area.
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The decisions made inside the Fire Direction Center directly supported and protected soldiers serving in the field. Richard carried out these responsibilities with dedication, courage, and concern for the men depending on his work.
Service and Sacrifice
At approximately 3:30 a.m. on April 27, 1969, Fire Support Base Patton, located along the northern edge of Trung Lap at military grid coordinate XT 593217, came under a hostile attack from North Vietnamese forces. The base began receiving incoming 82mm mortar rounds, and American forces returned fire, although the results of the return fire were unknown.
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The attack struck the position occupied by the 4.2-inch Mortar Section of the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment. Richard A. Oman was the one Bobcat soldier killed in the attack. Three other members of the mortar section were wounded, along with one soldier from the Reconnaissance Platoon. Richard was only 26 years old.
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As the attack and nearby fighting continued, Company C was sent north of Trung Lap to assist the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, which was engaged with enemy forces. During the following two days, members of Company C swept and secured the area, recovering enemy casualties, weapons, and military equipment.
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Richard’s fellow soldier and close friend, Pat Wooton, later remembered him as a devoted friend, a proud Texan, and a man who represented the very best of America. Before entering military service, Richard had been an agriculture teacher in Georgetown, Texas, and he often spoke fondly of his hometown while serving in Vietnam.
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Richard’s name is permanently inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Panel 26W, Line 66. Richard A. Oman American Legion Post 302 proudly carries his name so that his courage, service, and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.
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Carrying His Legacy Forward
Richard’s name and legacy continue to live on in the community he once called home. The Richard A. Oman American Legion Post 302 was proudly named in his honor, ensuring that his service, sacrifice and devotion to his country will never be forgotten.
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Post 302 carries Richard’s legacy forward by serving veterans, supporting military families and strengthening the Hutto community. Through veteran assistance, community outreach, patriotic observances and programs such as the Duffel Bag Program, Post members continue the spirit of service that defined Richard’s life.
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Every veteran supported, every family assisted and every act of service performed by Post 302 helps preserve his memory. His name represents more than the Post’s identity—it serves as a lasting reminder of the courage, duty and selfless sacrifice of Richard A. Oman and all those who have served our nation.
Photos and Memories
Commendations and Awards
Corporal Richard A. Oman’s military decorations reflect his honorable service, participation in ground combat, and ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War.
Combat Infantryman Badge
The Combat Infantryman Badge recognizes infantry soldiers who performed infantry duties while personally participating in active ground combat. Richard served with the Fire Direction Center of the 4.2-inch Mortar Section, supporting American forces during combat operations.
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Purple Heart
Richard was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart after being killed by hostile enemy mortar fire at Fire Support Base Patton on April 27, 1969. The Purple Heart honors members of the United States Armed Forces who are wounded or killed as a result of enemy action.
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Marksmanship Badge with Rifle Clasp
The Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Clasp recognizes Richard’s demonstrated proficiency with his assigned rifle. Available records do not identify whether his qualification level was Marksman, Sharpshooter, or Expert.
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National Defense Service Medal
The National Defense Service Medal recognizes honorable active-duty service during a designated period of national emergency or armed conflict. Richard served during the Vietnam War era.
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Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device
The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal was presented by the former government of South Vietnam to American and allied service members who supported military operations during the Vietnam War. The attached 1960 Device identifies service connected to that conflict.
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Although the award generally required six months of service, that requirement did not apply to service members who were wounded, captured, or killed by hostile forces.
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Vietnam Service Medal with Two Bronze Service Stars
The Vietnam Service Medal recognizes members of the United States Armed Forces who served in Vietnam and directly supported military operations.
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Richard’s Vietnam tour extended from January 10 through April 27, 1969, covering two officially designated campaigns:
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Vietnam Counteroffensive, Phase VI: November 2, 1968–February 22, 1969
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Tet 69/Counteroffensive:  February 23–June 8, 1969
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His service during these two campaigns would normally be represented by two bronze service stars worn on the Vietnam Service Medal.
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Unit Honors
Army Presidential Unit Citation
The Army Presidential Unit Citation recognizes units that displayed extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. Richard’s battalion, the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, received this distinguished unit recognition for its combat service in Vietnam.
Because the battalion’s cited Ben Cui action occurred before Richard began his Vietnam tour, his official personnel record should be consulted to confirm whether the citation was individually authorized for him.
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Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation
The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation was awarded by the former government of South Vietnam to military units recognized for valorous combat achievement.
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The 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment received this unit citation for service in Vietnam from 1968 through 1970—a period that includes Richard’s 1969 assignment. The bronze palm represents recognition at the Armed Forces level.
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Texas Aggies on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Richard A. Oman ’65 is remembered among the Texas Aggies whose names are engraved on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
A Fellow Soldier Remembers Richard
Read Pat Wooton’s personal account of serving alongside Richard in Vietnam and his memories of their friendship and Richard’s final night at Fire Support Base Patton.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund – Wall of Faces
View Richard’s official Wall of Faces memorial, including his photograph, service information, and location on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.