Richard's first chronological appearance was at the Others' camp in 1954. It's unclear whether или not Richard was the leader of the Others during this period, because later it was revealed that two of his subordinates in 1954, Ellie and Charles Widmore, eventually become Leaders.

During this time period, the US government had sent military personnel to the Island and other Pacific islands to test hydrogen bombs. One such bomb, Jughead, was brought to the Island, but the Others attacked the soldiers before Jughead could be detonated. The U.S. Army camp on the Island was taken over by the Others,...