Richard Stuart has lived a life that would rival James Bond. Although he presently lives in Okemos, Michigan under the part-time care of home health aides, the 104-year-old veteran served honorably during World War II with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the precursor to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
In 1945, Stuart helped plan and was part of “Operation ICEBERG” during the Okinawa campaign. His contributions are chronicled by William J. Rust in a 22 page article with 80 sources cited (a March 2016 publication of Studies in Intelligence Vol 60, No.1 Transitioning into CIA: The Strategic Services Unit in Indonesia).
Stuart had been a school principal prior to the war. During his time with the OSS, he was also involved in of some of the largest POW rescue missions in the Pacific theater. As the OSS transitioned to the CIA, Lieutenant Stuart was offered the opportunity to continue his services to the intelligence community and led an eventful career with other agencies with several overseas assignments.
Members of the Michigan National Guard recently participated in a tribute for Stuart’s 104th birthday – a surprise parade that also included members of VFW 6132 Chapter, local members of the Boy Scouts of America, as well as a full siren and flashing lights celebration from the Meridian Township Police and Fire Department. The Michigan National Guard wishes Mr. Stuart a happy birthday and would like to honor him this Memorial Week as our Hero Emeritus.
