Richard Ernest Evans grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee. He started his flying career graduating from the Primary Flying School, Love Field, March 21, 1940, Class of 40-E. He continued his flight training, transferred to Flight #8 Advanced Training Squadron II, Advanced Training Group 1, South Eastern Training Center, Maxwell Field, Montgomery, AL. He was a navigation and pilot instructor until finally his request for overseas transfer was confirmed. He was transferred with Commander, Col. Fay Upthegrove, 99nth BG to N. Africa.

The 99nth BG departed West Palm Beach, FL on February 5, 1943, and arrived February 17, 1943, at Yundum Field, Bathurst, Gambia, having stopped at Puerto Rico, British Guiana (Guyana), Belem, Brazil and Natal, Brazil. It took the 99th BG 11 hours, 45 minute to fly across the Atlantic. He piloted many B-17s over N. Africa, Sicily, Italy and German occupied territories for 54 missions. Between June 13 to around August 5, 1943, Captain Evans was Field Marshal Bernard L. Montgomery's pilot. He flew the general at other various times until the end of 1943. The B-17E (#41-9082) "Theresa Leta" was given to Montgomery so he could travel more efficiently and safely between his staff and army.

After flying 54 missions, Richard was transferred to the states to take pilot training for the B-29. He flew his B-29 to Tinian March, 1945. He flew one mission over Japan with the 316th Bomb Wing in the Pacific.

Richard retired to the Air Force reserves months after the Japanese surrendered only to be asked to fly again when the Korean war began. He continued in the Air Force flying the B-47, B-52, and he became the B-58 Test Squadron Commander. Richard retired in 1959 from the Air Force. He passed away June 13, 2006.

Before he died Richard wrote 21 chapters with humor and humility about his experiences flying the B-17 throughout the N. African/Sicilian/Italian campaign, his relationship with "Monty," his stories about growing up in Tennessee and early USAAC flight training.

His book, "Richard Eager" A Pilots story from Tennessee Eagle Scout to General Montgomery's "Flying Fortress," was published July 2021. This book may be found on-line with most book sellers in the USA and UK.