MEDWAY: Richard (Dick) Keogh

Military Explosives Expert and Eagle Scout

Major Richard J. Keogh, age 93, was born in Medway, MA on September 23,
1932, and died on May 8, 2026, in Honolulu HI. Dick graduated from Medway High
School in 1949, and from The University of Massachusetts in 1958.

Dick began his
distinguished military service in 1953 He served in the United
States Army from 1953 to 1955, and then again as a commissioned officer
from 1958 to 1973. Dick culminated his Army career as the Chief of
Testing and Training for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Division.
For his exceptional gallantry and merit in combat in both
the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Major Keogh was highly decorated, earning the
Silver Star, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Air Medal. A deeply dedicated
leader who repeatedly put himself in harm's way, he was also awarded two Purple
Hearts with Oak Leaf Clusters for wounds received in action. After his
retirement from the Army, Dick continued in Civil Service for the U.S.
Navy from 1973 to 1976, and for the U.S. Marine Corps from 1976 to 1993.

Prior to, and especially during the turbulent 60s, the Army was always the
one called on to handle anything having to do with explosives. Dick, serving as
Chief of Testing and Training for the Explosives Ordnance Disposal Division at
Fort Jackson in South Carolina was called on disarm and dispose of many bombs
and stores of ordinance. In 1971 the US government decided it needed to
establish a school where civilians, such as law enforcement officers, could
become trained bomb technicians. The Army sent Major Richard J. Keogh to get
the job done! Dick led the mission to establish the Hazardous Devices
School at Redstone Arsenal, in Huntsville, AL. To this day, every bomb
technician in every civilian agency is a graduate of this school, and it is the
only one of its kind in the country.

In addition to his outstanding military career, Dick was also a devoted, lifelong
Boy Scout. As a member of Scout Troop 58 he earned the rank of Eagle Scout with
a Gold Palm. Dick was the local Council’s first recipient of the Vigil Honor in
the Order of the Arrow. Splitting his time between his family home in Medway
and his condo in Honolulu where he enjoyed spending time with his veteran and
scouting friends. Dick’s service to Scouts America included serving as Summer
Camp Staff, as a Scoutmaster, and as a Commissioner. He also served on numerous
Eagle Scout Boards of Review both here and in Hawaii. As an adult he was
presented with the National Silver Beaver Award, Founders Award, and the Outstanding
Eagle Scout Award. Dick was always a generous benefactor and was often called
upon to speak at Scout functions. He was an avid firearms collector and an
expert marksman. He taught many youth and adults shooting safety as well
as marksmanship with historical firearms.

Dick will be missed by both his many Veteran, and Scouting Friends.

Dick's life will be celebrated with a special service at Camp Squanto on
Thursday July 9th and later at Hopkinton Sportsmen's Association
grounds. Dicks ashes will be interred later this year with military honors at
Arlington National Cemetery.

Though his journey on earth has ended, his spirit lives on in the
memories we cherish.

Rest in Peace, dear friend.