Flew 35 missions. He flew 6 missions with the 303rd from 24 July 1943 to 19 August 1943. These missions were centred in Heroya, Norway. Then he flew 29 missions with the 306th BG/367th BS from 19 Feb 1945 to 11 April 1945. These missions saw Richard travel to Gilze-Rijen, Holland. While with the 303rd, Grimm was unconscious for more than 30 minutes on the 25th July 1943 mission to Hamburg, Germany. Sgt Bruce Clemens became incapable of operating the 'Ball Turret Gunner', as such, Richard hastily relieved him. At this time, the B-17 aircraft was in the thick of combat; being set upon by an estimated 200 German fighters. Engulfed in the urgency of the situation, Richard neglected to hook up his A-13 oxygen bottle to the oxygen system and was unable to ready his electric flying suit. Regretfully, Richard's duty bound actions eventually left him with no discernible heartbeat, multiple lacerations on his forehead and he had swallowed his tongue. Further his eyes were frozen shut and his body virtually frozen. He was immediately transported to the base hospital at Molesworth upon landing and recovered shortly thereafter.



For his actions, Richard was recommended for the 'Distinguished Flying Cross' award in 1945. However, due to a misplacement of the documents he did not receive his award until 6th February 1992; this was only made possible due to the astuteness of his previous operations officer who became aware of the mishap and immediately made measures to remedy the debacle. In a 1992 interview Richard remarks "It was a wonder I survived that. But it is even more of a miracle that I got this award".



It is also noteworthy to mention that Richard undertook 25 missions as part of the USAF Air Rescue Service in Korea.



DFC,