Rich was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and was drafted in Feb 1966 and spent Basic Training at Ft. Jackson, SC. He was also trained as a Communications Specialist at Ft. Gordon, GA. Rich arrived in Vietnam in March, 1967 and was assigned to Co B, 37th Signal Battalion, 1St. Signal Brigade. He worked at Communication Sites in Danang & Hue but spent most of his time at Quang Tri attached to MACV Advisory Team #4 where he attained the rank of Specialist 4th class. He left Vietnam on Jan15, 1968. Company B, 37th Signal Battalion was subsequently awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation and Advisory Team #4 was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation.

Rich returned to civilian life and worked as a sales representative and sales executive for forty years at a number of paper manufacturers. He resides in Matawan, NJ with his wife of 44 years and has two daughters and three Grandchildren.