Commander Richard J. Edris was born on January 15, 1929, in Pottsville, PA. After moving to Ohio he graduated from West High School in Columbus in 1948.
Richard Edris began his naval career in the NROTC unit at The Ohio State University, with his graduation and commissioning in 1951. His first assignment was aboard the amphibious ship U.S.S. Olmstead (APA-188). In 1954, he was transferred to the destroyer U.S.S. Ernest G. Small (DD-838), with follow on assignment as the Operations Officer for Destroyer Division 132. On July 15, 1955 he married the former Nancy Haines. During August of 1956; then LT. Richard J. Edris was transferred as an instructor to the University of Illinois' NROTC unit. Follow-on assignments included duty aboard the destroyer escort U.S.S. Durant (DER - 389) as executive officer, and then assignment as one of the youngest attendees to date at the Naval War College. Upon completion of the Command and Staff course at the Naval War College; then LCDR Richard J. Edris took command of the destroyer escort U.S.S. Lowe (DER-325). In preparation for overseas assignment, Richard Edris found himself in Coronado, California for intensive training at the Special Warfare Training Group where he received advance training in special boat operations. Upon promotion to Commander, Richard Edris was assigned as Force Operations Officer - Naval Advisory Group - Military Assistance Command Vietnam (NAGMACV). He developed some of the earliest operational plans for the swift boat operations on the Mekong River. Commander Richard J. Edris was killed in a mortar attack on November 1, 1966 in Saigon, Republic of Vietnam, while attending a parade commemorating the South Vietnamese National Day. He was killed in front of the cathedral. Commander Edris is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Commander Edris' decorations included: Bronze Star with Combat V; Purple Heart, National Defense Medal, Naval Occupation Medal, China Service Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. (bio by: TJ Welsh)

This Military Service Page was created byBersley H. Thomas, Jr. (Tom), SMCS to remember Edris, Richard John, CDR.