Karl Richter F-105 Challenge Coin

This challenge coin honors 1st Lt. Karl Richter, an F-105 Thunderchief pilot who flew 198 missions over North Vietnam. In September 1966, at age 23, he shot down a MiG-17 in air-to-air combat, becoming the youngest American pilot to do so over Vietnam. He was awarded the Air Force Cross. Richter was killed in action on his 198th mission on July 28, 1967, after his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire.

A tribute to one of the Vietnam War's most decorated young fighter pilots, available at the Aviation Heritage Park store.