A graduate of West Point who began his military service in the 1930s, Richardson served in Europe during the final months of World War II. He commanded the 224th Infantry Regiment during the Korean War, then served at The Pentagon, and as an assistant division commander and corps chief of staff with United States Army Europe. Returning to The Pentagon as assistant deputy chief of staff for personnel, Richardson commanded the 25th Infantry Division and served as deputy commander-in-chief and chief of staff of United States Army Pacific. In 1962 to 1963 he commanded a joint task force deployed to Thailand in response to the Laos Crisis, then served as deputy chief of staff for personnel. Richardson ended his career in the late 1960s as commanding general of Sixth United States Army.