Born in Laramie, WY, Richard A. Wahl graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1934, joined the United States Patent Office in 1936, and rejoined the office following service in World War II. He earned a J.D. from George Washington University in 1947. During his 34-year career with the Patent Office, Mr. Wahl attained the highest position as Superintendent of the Examining Corps. He was appointed Assistant Commissioner of Patents by Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon and served as United States representative on several international commissions, working on cooperative patent systems. For his service to the Department of Commerce, Mr. Wahl was awarded the coveted Gold Medal.