Colonel Richard H. Sharp was commissioned an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School 24 June 1959, class number 3-59. His first duty assignment was as Platoon Leader, 1st Armored Rifle Battalion, 6th Infantry. | His subsequent duty assignments include: Platoon Leader, 1st Battle Group, 87th Infantry; Detachment Commander, Security Detachment I Corps; Instructor, Opns Officer, Florida Ranger Committee, Ranger Dept USAIS; Instructor Patrolling Committee Ranger Dept; Battalion S-3, 3d Battalion, 60th Inf, Brigade S-3, 2nd Brigade, 9th Inf Div; Staff Officer, DCSOPS, Headquarters USAREUR & 7th Army; Executive Officer, Headquarters, USAREUR & 7th Army; Brigade Executive Officer, 3d Brigade, 9th Inf Div; Battalion Commander, 3d Battalion, 47th Infantry, Div Chief, ODCSOPS, Headquarters Dept of Army; Div Chief, OCLL Ofc Sec of the Army; Commander, 2d Brigade, 2d Infantry Division. | His awards and decorations include: Ranger Tab, Parachute Badge, Presidential Unit Citation, ARCOM w/V Device, Air Medal w/3 Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal w/ Oak Leaf Cluster, Silver Star.