Richard S. Beyea Jr.

Richard S. Beyea Jr. 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.

In 1958, Beyea earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY. Beyea also obtained a Master's degree 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.

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
2nd Row	Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters			Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster			National Defense Service Medal with service star
3rd Row	Vietnam Service Medal with eight service stars			Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm			Vietnam Campaign Medal