Carlton Richardson

Carlton Richardson was born on April 24, 1961, in Brooklyn, New York. Upon graduating high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps at the young
age of 19. In November 1987, Mr. Richardson’s hard work and determination earned him the rank of Sergeant, a major milestone in his life, giving him the bravery and determination he needed to face his next challenge head on.

The first major foreign crisis for the United States after the end of the Cold War presented itself in August 1990. Saddam Hussein, the dictator of Iraq,
ordered his army across the border into Kuwait. Within hours of Hussein’s directive, Sergeant Richardson and his unit, the Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, were deployed to Bahrain in the Middle East during the Gulf War.

Through August 1990 to April 1991, Sergeant Richardson served as Supply Administration Chief alongside his squadron and participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. While in Southwest Asia, his fellow Marines and Sailors of MWSS-373 pumped over 29 million gallons of fuel to tactical aircraft, provided over two million meals, transported 46 million pounds of ordnance, produced two million gallons of potable water, treated 18,000 patients, administered 3,200 immunizations, provided water, electricity and sanitation for eight dispersed billeting areas and drove over one million accident-free miles. All while under heavy Iraqi Scud Missile fire, the belief that he would make it home to his wife was Sergeant Richardson’s only defense – and he did.

Due to his undeniable valor and bravery, Sergeant Richardson was awarded a Medal of Honor, the Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, the South West Asia Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, a Certificate of Commendation and a Good Conduct Medal. After being honorably discharged, Sergeant Richardson continues a life of service as the American Legion’s Post 573 Commander.