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BORN
1935
DIED
2020
Richmond Nail Obituary
Fayetteville—Richmond J. Nail, 85, of Fayetteville, passed away Thursday, September 10, 2020 at Autum Care of Fayetteville.
Richmond was born May 3,1935 in Izard County, AR to the late Elsie (Barnes) and Richard Nail. He was preceded in death by his wife, Anne Nail.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 18, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Cumberland Memorial Gardens, 4509 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304.
Richmond is survived by a son, Todd Nail and wife Jill, niece Courtney Loiselle and great niece Maison (MJ) Loiselle.
Richmond spent 53 years serving our country, 30 years active duty (retired E- 9 SGM) and 20 years civil service at Camp McCall as a SERE school survival instructor in which he was instrumental in setting up the SERE program.
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Memories and Condolences
for Richmond Nail
SERE Class 7-89
Steven Roberts
December 15, 2023
SERE Class 7-89
Steven Roberts
December 15, 2023
Steven Roberts
December 15, 2023
Got it right! I thank you so very much for your expertise and for our one on one conversation that we shared. You are a legend forever!
Steven E. Roberts
December 10, 2021
I stand corrected, it was SERE Class 7-89 that I attended.
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Steven E. Roberts 3/75
October 24, 2021
Class 11-89 SERE. My squad wasn´t blown up as we maneuvered through the Razor Wire, due to you pulling me aside and showing me the reed trick. It worked. I felt the wires and then guided those behind me successfully through the course. You were one of a kind and your positive attitude drove us all onward. I remember you saying, "I got one eye, one kidney, and half a foot, and if I can do this then all of you can too!" RLTW
Harold Sullivan
October 21, 2021
I drove and was radioman for Ret.CSM Nail in Hawaii out at East Range in 1985. Very humble man,very quiet about his career. But definitely had a presence of graceful greatness about him.
LTC (R) Arnie Peterman
October 25, 2020
Richmond and I served together for almost two years on ODA-591, C Company, 3rd BN, 5th SFGA. I was the Team Leader and he was the Team Sergeant. Later as Commander, ODB-591, Richmond was one of my Team Sergeants for over a year. During our over three years together he was the best Team Sergeant I served with, which includes both 10th & 5th SGFA. He was a true American Patriot and a loyal friend. Richmond, MSG (R) Jim Parker, and I spent a lot of time together and conducted several OCONUS deployments. Richmond will be missed by many SF Soldiers.
LaVerne Jones
October 10, 2020
He was a pleasant man.
curt cleveland
September 28, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Terry Cole
September 21, 2020
First met the CSM when he was teaching out at SERE (1985) as a SERE student. Fast forward to OCT 2001 and I am reporting to the SERE CMTE and who is the first cat I see down at little muddy doing a body repel.....CSM Nail. They don't make them like him anymore. It was a priviledge and honor to have learned and worked with him during my time at SERE.
Hazel Roberts
September 19, 2020
June was a cousin of mine in Cushman, AR. He introduced me to my husband, Johnnie Roberts, at a cafe there in 1958 when I was a senior in high school. We will be married 58 years this Wednesday. We have so many fond memories and lots of stories throughout the years. May you rest in peace my cousin. Love, Hazel and Johnnie Roberts.
Frank Novotny
September 19, 2020
may he rest in peace in Walhalla
Frank Novotny, Cpt. ret.
Thomas, Richmond,Mary and Jimmy.<br />
September 18, 2020
Jimmy, Richmond,Thomas
Ashley Mills
September 17, 2020
One of my favorite pictures.
David McNaul
September 16, 2020
Legend of a man. I briefly knew him in the early 80s and was a teammate in fifth group. Fantastic mentor and an example for all to follow. He will be sorely missed
RIP DOL
Recoil
September 15, 2020
One of my many indelible memories of Phase I in the Q Course in the early ‘70s was this remarkable man who we knew was a legend then. I remember frequently imitating his quote, All you need is your poncho and ammo, ammo, ammo. Thank You Sergeant Major, we are all better because of you.
Alsee Richardson
September 14, 2020
I met Richmond Nail in 1961 we were in the Division Artillery Richard was a staff sergeant and I was a Private First Class. I will always remember Richmond as a mentor and a great leader. RIP my Brother.
Alsee RICHARDSON SGM(ret)
Fayetteville nc
Hampton Dews
September 13, 2020
I met Richmond in early 1969 when he was assigned to B-55, 5th Mobile Strike Force as a platoon leader in 6th Company, 2d Bn. I was also assigned to 6th Co as a medic. Our first operation together was in March 1969; Battle of Nui Coto. I was with Rich when he was gravely wounded on the 17th of March. Shortly after he was hit, we became pinned down together for almost 8 hours, only being able to return to friendly lines during hours of darkness. Richmond's injuries included a lost eye, head trauma and GSWs to the lower back. The combination of his wounds and not being able to be medically evacuated for over 8 hrs. would have killed most men. Richmond went on after the war to serve with with selfless devotion to duty, ultimately being honored as A Distinguished Member of the Special Forces Regiment. Truly one of the bravest and toughest men ever to wear the Green Beret. Richmond Nail, rest in peace my brother. I'll see you on the high ground soon enough. Slow Salute
Harold Boosahda
September 12, 2020
We all got off the bus at Camp McCall late November 1972, cold and pouring rain. The first thing we see is a goat tied to a tree. We're all looking at each other. SGT Nail walks over and says "I'm SFC Nail, you will do what I tell you to do or your gone." Then he says what was probably his most famous line of many, "I'm so good looking, my heart can hardly stand it!" What mentor and trainer. Much respect! RIP SFC Nail.
Richard A. Green
September 12, 2020
One of the finest NCO's I've known. Went on a few field trips with Richmond and I especially liked the one where we first met. He was the Instructor at Camp McCall and I was the student, what a ride that was. Great guy, RIP -
Ignacio "Iggy" Balderas
September 12, 2020
I had the pleasure of serving with Richmond in C/3/5 SFG after Vietnam. Richmond suffered severe injuries in Vietnam losing an eye and a lung. He was a true inspiration continuing to serve in Special Forces until his military retirement and then continued to serve as an SF Training Instructor. He used his vast knowledge and enthusiasm to instruct and aid future Special Forces soldiers to make Special Forces the national asset it is today. Rest in a well deserved and earned peace Richmond. De Oppresso Liber
Richard L. Harvey, CPT, US Army, Retired
September 12, 2020
I had the honor of working with SGM, then MSG Richmond Nail. A better friend and NCO you couldn't find. You'll never be forgotten, and your contributions to Special Forces and mankind always at the front of thoughts. Until Valhalla.
Claire W. Jones, Jr., CPT(ret), USAR
September 12, 2020
When I went through Camp MacKall in late 1970, he was there. I liked his attitude. I recall him reacting when he found a trainee with candy bars in his ammo pouch instead of M-16 magazines. He told the trainee that, "You can't shoot candy bars...." among other things. That stuck with me. b.t.w. I wasn't the trainee.
mike
September 12, 2020
Many Wonderfull years together ,a very close friend.,will miss him
Melvin McIntire
September 12, 2020
Worked with, for and around Richmond at Camp Mackall. A rare piece of work. Always loved and respected him as a boss and as a friend.
Gary Shimzu
September 11, 2020
I was blessed to have had so many excellent instructors going through the Special Forces qualification and medical courses in the mid-70's.
SFC Nail, later SGM Nail, was one of them. They freely shared their experiences and expertise, training and mentoring me and setting me up for success, through the lessons that they learned. I'm forever grateful for their efforts and have paid if forward to those coming up behind me.
Lance Kuhn
September 11, 2020
Richmond was the ultimate example for all of us, devoted family man, soldier's soldier, teacher and friend. His memory will serve as an inspiration to all who were fortunate to have known him. May the good Lord officiate the reunion with Anne and all dearly departed family and friends in Heaven. We love you Richmond, Lance and Stacy
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