Richard Binder is described as having been born in either Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or Germany. He enlisted in the Marine Corps from Philadelphia in July 1861. In 1864-65, he was assigned to the sloop-of-war . He participated in the two assaults on Fort Fisher, North Carolina, on 24-December 25, 1864 (First Battle of Fort Fisher) and 13-January 15, 1865 (Second Battle of Fort Fisher). He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his performance at those times. Richard Binder died on February 26, 1912 and was buried in West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.