Dick Vogel was born on July 20, 1931, in Willard, Ohio. He graduated from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, with a Bachelor's Degree in Business in 1953, and then enlisted in the Aviation Cadet Program of the U.S. Air Force on July 27, 1953. He was commissioned a 2d Lt and awarded his pilot wings at Bryan AFB, Texas, on February 7, 1955, and then attended F-84F Thunderstreak training and Gunnery training from February to September 1955. Capt Vogel next served as an F-84F and then F-100 Super Sabre pilot with the 614th Fighter Bomber Squadron (redesignated 614th Tactical Fighter Squadron on July 1, 1958) at England AFB, Louisiana, from September 1955 to September 1960, followed by service as an F-100 and then F-105 Thunderchief pilot with the 22nd Tactical Fighter Squadron at Bitburg AB, West Germany, from September 1960 to October 1963. His next assignment was as an F-105 pilot with the 562nd Tactical Fighter Squadron and then the 563rd Tactical Fighter Squadron at McConnell AFB, Kansas, from October 1963 to August 1965. Major Vogel attended Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, from August 1965 to August 1966, and then attended F-4 Phantom II Combat Crew Training from August to December 1967. His next assignment was as an F-4 pilot with the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Ubon Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, from January 1967 until he was forced to eject from his stricken aircraft over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on May 22, 1967. After spending 2,114 days in captivity, Col Vogel was released during Operation Homecoming on March 4, 1973. He was briefly hospitalized at Malcom Grow Medical Center at Andrews AFB, Maryland, and then attended Air War College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, from August 1973 to June 1974. His final assignment was as Deputy Director and then Director of Personnel Programs with Headquarters Air Training Command at Randolph AFB, Texas, from June 1974 until his retirement from the Air Force on June 1, 1976.

His 1st (of 3) Silver Star Citation reads:

Major Richard D. Vogel distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F4C Aircraft Commander at Bac Giang, North Vietnam on 21 April 1967. On that date, Major Vogel participated in a flight of two aircraft against a vital ammunition depot in North Vietnam. Under constant threat from hostile gun positions, surface-to-air missile sites, and attack from hostile interceptors, Major Vogel inflicted considerable damage to strategic supplies of the unfriendly forces. Unmindful of the extreme risk to his own life, Major Vogel displayed outstanding heroism and professional leadership, which led to the successful completion of this difficult mission. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Vogel has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.