Karl Wendell Richter (October 4, 1942 – July 28, 1967) was an officer in the United States Air Force and an accomplished fighter pilot during the Vietnam War.

From a young age he was interested in aviation, helped by his sister Betty, and by 18 had developed into a highly skilled pilot.

Once, while on leave, he turned down the possibility of a trip to Bangkok or Hong Kong and went instead to Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base where he flew combat missions in an O-1E Bird Dog.

On September 21, 1966, Richter was flying as Ford 03, an element leader, north of Haiphong on a mission to seek out SAM sites.

[2]: 158 As he approached the 100-mission mark, Richter asked permission to fly a second 100 missions, believing his combat experience should be used to advance the war effort.

[3]: 43 [1] On July 28, 1967, flying with a new pilot, Richter spotted a bridge and instructed the trainee to stay above and watch as he rolled his F-105 toward the target.

The Misty FAC remained on scene directing air strikes until A-1E Sandys and HH-3E Jolly Green Giants arrived.

[5][6] A statue of his likeness stands on the Mall of Heroes at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado.