Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Dennis Richardson of Amityville was recently recognized by Sen. Chuck Fuschillo, Sen. Owen Johnson and Assemblyman Robert Sweeney for earning the Air Force Cross, the second highest military honor in the U.S. Air Force.

Shown in the photo, Fuschillo, right, listens as Amityville resident Dennis Richardson, left,, talks about his experiences on March 14, 1968, when he saved the lives of his fellow crew members while serving on board an Air Force rescue helicopter in the Vietnam War. Fuschillo honored Richardson for receiving the Air Force Cross, the nation's second highest military honor. "Dennis Richardson truly is an American hero and worthy of this high military honor. Despite being wounded, he selflessly risked his life in order to protect his crew. His courageous act of heroism helped save the lives of his fellow soldiers. On behalf of all our residents, I congratulate him on his achievement and thank him for his brave and dedicated service to our country," said Senator Fuschillo.

Fuschillo presented Richardson with a copy of a legislative resolution that he sponsored along with Senator Owen Johnson and Assemblyman Robert Sweeney that was passed by the New York State Legislature in honor of Richardson's achievement.

Richardson, a flight engineer on a helicopter which flew missions to rescue pilots shot down in combat, earned the Air Force Cross for his heroic actions in combat on March 14, 1968. While hovering close to the ground during a mission to search for a downed pilot, the helicopter was hit multiple times by intense fire from enemy troops. Richardson fired his weapon to try and stop the advancing enemy soldiers and was wounded. Despite his injuries, he continued to put himself in harm's way by leaning out the helicopter door unprotected to drive off the enemy soldiers and protect his crew. His actions were credited with saving the helicopter and the lives of his fellow crew members.

Although he was entitled to the medal, Richardson never knew it because of a paperwork problem. He finally received the award, 40 years later, this past April. Richardson is only the twentyfirst enlisted airman to earn the award since it was created in 1960.