U.S. Air Force · United States 
Richard Joseph Barth
1974
Richard Joseph Barth served the U.S. Air Force for 4 years. Richard served in the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Officer Richard Barth was shot and killed by a 15-year-old suspect while questioning him and another youth about suspicious activity in a park. Unbeknownst to Officer Barth, the two boys had just committed a burglary and were going through the stolen items when Officer Barth interrupted them. The suspect who shot Officer Barth was convicted of murder and sentenced to 50 to 100 years in prison. He was released in 2003. Officer Barth had served with the Downers Grove Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
Service Record
U.S. Air Force
1967 – 1971
Conflicts
Vietnam War
Cold War
Also Served
Downers Grove Police Department
Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqwe8zrsrh2c8137988h
Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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