English, Richard W. (Richard Walter), 1909-1990
Dates
- Existence: 1909 - 1990
Biographical Statement
Richard Walter English, a decorated school teacher, administrator, and soldier, began his teaching career in the Orleans Parish public school system and eventually became principal of two schools in New Orleans, Louisiana. He also served in Germany under the 761st Tank Battalion, an all-black combat unit during World War II.
Richard Walter English was born on June 9, 1909, in El Paso, Texas. In 1926, English completed his high school education at McDonough 35 Public High School in New Orleans. He went on to study chemistry at Dillard University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 1930.
English began teaching in 1932 in the Orleans Parish public school system following his graduation from Dillard University.
English married Loretta English (neé Thomas) prior to his enlistment to the U.S. Army. She died on October 20, 1948, in Kitzingen, Germany in a car accident. The union produced four children. English later remarried Octavia English (neé Tenette) and welcomed three additional children.
English enlisted in the U.S. Army on October 28, 1942 and also graduated from the Army's engineering school. During his service, he was a member of the all-black 761st "Black Panther" Tank Battalion, one of the only all-black units in the war to see combat. After training for two years, the Black Panthers were deployed to France and assigned to General George Patton. The battalion made their way to Germany and fought there through the remainder of the war. During their time in World War II, the Black Panthers developed into a successful combat unit, capturing over 30 towns and liberating several concentration camps.
In 1947, English received a promotion from Warrant Officer to the rank of Major, a position he held until he retired on April 18, 1950. Over the course of his eight years of service, English accumulated a number of different awards including a Purple Heart medallion, five battle stars and six other medals. In 1978, English, along with the rest of the 761st Battalion, finally received the Presidential Unit Citation for outstanding performance and displays of courage from President Jimmy Carter after six previous presidents would not acknowledge the battalion and its accomplishments.
Following his release from military duty in 1950, English became a teacher at Booker T. Washington Senior High School in New Orleans. In 1955, he became principal of James Lewis Elementary School. In 1958, he left James Lewis to become the principal of Samuel J. Green Junior High School. English emerged as a leading educator, community activist, and generous donor, who received recognition from organizations such as the Urban League and the NAACP. English retired from Samuel J. Green in 1970.
Richard Walter English died of natural causes on June 26, 1990 at the age of 81.