Upon graduating from college, Richard Hough assessed his situation regarding military service, as the Korean War had been raging for two years. His exempt status had now ended, and not wanting to wait to be drafted, he enlisted in the Army. He chose and was accepted into the ASA (Army Security Agency). This choice, and the experiences it brought, would
mold his post-military career. The ASA focused primarily on electronic getting up to the DMZ to witness the POW exchange. From Korea, he was transferred to Japan.
US Army Veteran Richard Hough
While in Japan, Richard immersed himself into the culture and traveling the country, which led to his post-service career. After his discharge, Richard would go on to obtain his Masters and PhD in the field of geography and have a 40-year career in academia.
Besides gathering intelligence, it was responsible for protecting the Army’s communications. Richard trained to become a Cryptoanalytic Specialist. After ASA training, he took off for Korea. During the Pacific crossing a message over the ship’s PA announced that an armistice had been signed.
Landing in Korea after a brief stop in Japan, Richard was assigned to the 501st Comm. Recon Group. During his time in Korea, Richard traveled the country, including Richard has a interesting geography-related hobby. While some people for example collect coins, others collect stamps, ….Richard collects counties. His goal is to travel in every county in the United States. He has circumnavigated the entire country, and has filled in a vast majority of the interior with his travels.
Brad Hoopes has a passionate project of preserving the stories of our veterans. To view some of these stories, please
visit: www.youtube.com/@rememberandhonorstories.