Richard McFarland was born into a military family in Washington, D.C.  In September 1967 he entered Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania as a member of the class of 1970 while his father was stationed at the Carlisle Barracks.  He did not remain for long, however, leaving after the end of his first year. 

McFarland entered the army in July 1967 and had arrived in Vietnam by April 1970.  He served as medic in the 5th Special Forces camp.  Sergeant McFarland was killed in action on November 9, 1970  when the camp came under siege.