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Amity man receives Nation's 2nd highest Military Award
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.
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