title: Richard S. Beyea Jr.
text: # Richard S. Beyea Jr.
  
  Richard Swinney Beyea Jr. (born 22 September 1935) is a retired United States Air Force brigadier general (special agent) who served as the 10th commander of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Bolling AFB, Washington D.C. As the AFOSI Commander, Beyea was responsible for providing independent professional investigative services to commanders of all Air Force activities about fraud, counterintelligence and major criminal matters by using a worldwide network of agents stationed at all major Air Force installations and at a variety of special operating locations. He also served as the air staff assistant inspector general for special investigations.
  
  ## Early life and education
  
  Born in Atlanta, Georgia and raised in Texas, Beyea graduated from Highland Park High School in 1953 and then attended Texas A&M University for a year. In 1958, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York. Beyea also obtained a master's degree in criminal justice from George Washington University, Washington, D.C, in 1974. Along with specialized training, Beyea completed Squadron Officer School at Maxwell Air Force Base, AL; Industrial College of the Armed Forces and National War College, both located at Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C.
  
  ## Military career
  
  Upon graduation from the U.S. Military Academy, Beyea commissioned into the United States Air Force in 1958. He spent the majority of his career as a special agent of the AFOSI where he conducted and supervised felony-level criminal, fraud, and counterintelligence investigations and operations. He commanded at the detachment, squadron and wing levels. His assignments included four overseas postings, which were Bangkok, Thailand; Kadena AB, Japan; and RAF Fairford and RAF Alconbury, England. Prior to his last assignment as Commander of AFOSI, Beyea served as the deputy commander of the 18th Combat Support Group, and subsequently became base commander. Near the end of his military career, Beyea was awarded the prestigious Order of the Sword in 1987, which is the highest honor and tribute noncommissioned officers can bestow upon an individual.
  
  ### Major awards and decorations
  
  Beyea is the recipient of the following:
  
  | 1st Row | Legion of Merit | Legion of Merit | Legion of Merit | Legion of Merit | Legion of Merit | Legion of Merit | Legion of Merit | Legion of Merit | Legion of Merit |
  | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
  | 2nd Row | Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters | Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters | Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters | Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster | Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster | Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster | National Defense Service Medal with service star | National Defense Service Medal with service star | National Defense Service Medal with service star |
  | 3rd Row | Vietnam Service Medal with eight service stars | Vietnam Service Medal with eight service stars | Vietnam Service Medal with eight service stars | Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm | Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm | Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm | Vietnam Campaign Medal | Vietnam Campaign Medal | Vietnam Campaign Medal |
  