Richard Anthony Hargarten

Monday, January 11, 2021 in Austin, TX at the age of 95.

He attended Michigan State University, was a graduate of the Air War College, and a

bomber and fighter pilot with extensive US Air Force Training during a 33-year career in

the United States Air Force (1943 - 1976), attaining the rank of Colonel. On entering

civilian life Dick had a second career as City Administrator for West Lake Hills, Texas

(1977 - 1994) before retiring in 1994.

As a young boy, Dick looked to the sky and saw an airplane flying overhead. He knew

immediately he wanted to fly. In World War II, when his country called, Dick realized his

passion for flying by joining the US Army Air Force in 1943 at the age of 19. He quickly

earned his pilot’s wings and thus began a remarkable 33-year Air Force career.

Dick's passion was flying planes. In addition to serving in World War II, Dick flew in

both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and during the Cuban missile crisis. He was both

a bomber and fighter pilot and flew many reconnaissance missions. The aircraft he

flew included: PT-19, BT-13, B17G, B-24, B-25, B-29, B-36, B-52, B-52D, B-52H, F4D,

F13-A, F-105D, T-29, T-39A, U3-A, U4-A, VC-47D, VT-29B.

Among his many achievements, Dick was one of the youngest instructor pilots on the

B-36 aircraft. He flew weather and typhoon reconnaissance in Asia, penetrating to the

heart of seven typhoons, piloted a B-52 in the heat of the Cuban missile crisis, and was

responsible for aircraft preparation and maintenance on world record breaking long distance

flights. Later in his career, Dick was Commander in Chief of Maintenance for

Intercontinental Missile Support of the entire US Government Western Test Range,

Chief of Maintenance for fighter and cargo aircraft in Vietnam, and Chief of Staff for

Logistics at Bergstrom Air Force base here in Austin.

Dick’s military career took him to many places around the world. He was stationed at

bases in Kansas, South Dakota, North Dakota, California, Germany, Alabama, North

Carolina, and Texas. Additionally, he held tours of duty in Okinawa; Taiwan; China;

Japan; Korea; Alaska; Spain; Africa; England; Guam; South Korea; Tuy Hoa, Vietnam;

Phu Cat, Vietnam; Thailand; Singapore; Hong Kong; the Philippines; Ryukyu Island; Iwo

Jima; Manus; Rabaul; Finschhafen; Port Morseby; Hollandia; Balikpapan; Cebu City;

Tainan; Taipei-Formosa; and Shanghai, China.

His military decorations include the Air Force Commendation with Oak Leaf Clusters,

the Legion of Merit with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf

Clusters, the Purple Heart, American Campaign Medal, Philippine Independence

Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, Asiatic-Pacific

Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Star, Armed Forces

Reserve Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with six Oak Leaf Clusters, Small

Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces

Expeditionary Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one Oak Leaf Cluster and

two “V” devices, Medal for Humane Action, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm,

Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam

Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars.

Upon retirement from the US Air Force in 1976 at the rank of Colonel, Dick took a brief

break and then began his next career in 1977 as the City of West Lake Hills City

Administrator.

During his tenure, city ordinances were formally codified, the Master Plan was adopted,

and construction of the present city hall took place. In an interview with the Westlake

Picayune, dated August 1978, he described his work in auditing property in the city

and discovering 60 pieces of land that had never been on the city tax rolls since the

city began taxing in 1971 and “straightening out the septic tank procedures”…”over

100 homes that were overdue inspections”. He helped guide the city through the at

times contentious debate over the development of the Butler tract — a large piece of

raw land, which is now the Village at Westlake Shopping Center at Bee Cave Road and

Loop 360. He was known for his strict adherence to the rules, city code, and

procedures to city administration. While known for his “no nonsense” approach and

firm hand, his door was always open.

After 17 years serving as City Administrator, Dick retired in 1994 to spend time traveling

with his wife, Nancy, and making memories with his children and grandchildren.

While his distinguished career portrays a man of upmost honor, service, and

dedication, Dick also will be lovingly remembered for his love and devotion to Nancy,

his wife for 66 years, and for his unconditional love to his three children, Rick, Holly,

and Heather, his grandchildren and his siblings. His love and guidance provided the

strong foundation for them to be confident in who they are and what they can do with

their talents. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, children Rick, Holly and Heather,

grandchildren Matt, Hunter and Garrett, and his sister Bernice.

Dick was a public servant in the truest sense of the word. No matter where we go, or

what we do, his spirit continues to soar high in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial donations you wish to make

be given to the Paralyzed Veterans of America online. See link to Memorial Donations below.