Richard “Jim” Laritz, SOA #1301, 81, passed away on 20 April, 2015, in Boise, ID.  Jim enlisted in the Army in 1951 and served in combat in Korea earning several valorous awards.  After Korea he volunteered for the newly formed 10th Special Forces Group and served with the 10th and 77th SFG’s until 1957. He went to Officer Candidate School in 1959 and returned to the 10th Special Forces Group, Detachment A, Berlin Brigade.  In 1963 he joined the 5th SFG and went to Vietnam until 1966.  He served with the JCRC in Thailand from 1970 to 1973.  He was an advisor to the 19th SFG in Salt Lake City from 1979 to 1983.  He had served 40 years when he retired in 1990.  He held numerous awards and decorations including several Purple Hearts. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge with Star, Ranger Tab and Army Aviator Wings.  He retired to Idaho to be closer with his family. He purchased some land on the Snake River where he worked full time building ponds, planting trees and cultivating a beautiful oasis.  He is survived by his wife, Kathy; sons, Rick, Brian and Kish; daughters, Kathrin, Patricia and Rochelle. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren.