CONTACT: Maj. Emily Desrosier, 631-723-7400

FOR RELEASE: Saturday, Apr 05, 2008

ON SITE: Maj. Emily Desrosier, 631-723-7400

WHO:

Retired Chief Master Sergeant Dennis M. Richardson receives the award from Col. Michael F. Canders, commander of the 106th Rescue Wing

WHAT:

Presentation of the Air Force Cross for heroism

WHEN:

Saturday, April 5, 2008 at 3 p.m.

WHERE:

Flight line, Hangar B, 150 Old Riverhead Road, 106th Rescue Wing Air National Guard Base, Westhampton Beach, N.Y.

Richardson receives the Air Force Cross for actions in Southeast Asia as a Flight Engineer of an HH-3E Jolly Green rescue helicopter on March 14, 1968. Confusion and bureaucratic mistakes kept him from receiving his award 40 years ago. His citation reads that “on that date, Sgt. Richardson flew two sorties in an effort to rescue United States Air Force pilots who were surrounded by enemy troops along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. During the initial rescue attempt another helicopter had been driven off and Sgt. Richardson’s helicopter had itself sustained significant battle damage. Despite the situation, and with complete disregard for their own safety, Sgt. Richardson and his crew elected to return and make a second rescue attempt. Coming to a hover 10 feet above the survivor’s position, Sgt. Richardson stood fully exposed in the helicopter door and began lowering the jungle penetrator with one hand while gripping his M-60 machine gun with the other. Unknown to anyone, the enemy had occupied the area but held their fire, waiting to ambush the helicopter. Suddenly intense fire erupted from all quadrants, resulting in additional damage to “Jolly Green 22” and wounding Sgt. Richardson. In an extraordinary display of courage and valor, Richardson, despite his wounds, leaned far outside the door and neutralized charging enemy combatants who appeared intent on boarding the helicopter. Richardson continued to lay down an effective blanket of defensive fire which enabled the pilot to maneuver safely out of the area. The selfless actions of Sgt. Richardson undoubtedly saved his helicopter and crew from certain disaster. Biography for Retired Chief Master Sergeant Dennis M. Richardson After graduating from Newton High School in 1964 in Elmhurst, New York, Chief Master Sgt. Richardson enlisted in the United States Air Force. After completing basic training at Lackland Air Force Base (AFB), Chief Richardson began training as a Helicopter Crew Chief. After completing his schooling in early 1965 he reported to Minot AFB, North Dakota for his first assignment as a UH-1 Helicopter Crew Chief. In July of 1966, Chief Richardson was sent on a temporary tour of duty at Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai AFB in Thailand. Attached to the 606th Air Commando Squadron, Chief Richardson assisted the Royal Thai Rangers in Operation Lucky Tiger. Upon completion of his tour he returned to Minot AFB where he transitioned into the Flight Engineer career field. After completing his Flight Engineer training he had a brief stop at the Philippines for jungle survival training and again returned to Southeast Asia. His next assignment found him attached to the 37th Jolly Greens, Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron located at DaNang AFB, South Vietnam, as a HH-3E Flight Engineer. Chief Richardson was a seasoned combat proven Flight Engineer with numerous combat saves under his belt. In the spring of 1968, Chief Richardson received orders to go to Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota. Upon return to the United States, fulfilling his commitment with the Air Force, he returned to civilian life to start a career with the Xerox Corporation and start a family with his wife Deidre O’Brian. After seven years of separation from the military, Chief Richardson selected to again serve his country; in 1975 he enlisted in the 106th Rescue Wing at Francis S. Gabreski Airport, New York Air National Guard, Westhampton Beach, New York. Over the next nine years he served as a Crew Chief on HH-3E Helicopters and then in 1984, much like the beginning of his career, he transitioned to the Flight Engineer section, serving there until his retirement in December of 2005. His other military decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross (with V Device for valor), the Purple Heart, the Air Medal (w/ two Devices), the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. Chief Richardson and his wife Deidre have been married for thirty eight years and have five children. Note: For news media access to Westhampton Beach Air National Guard Base, please coordinate with Maj. Emily Desrosier, 106 Rescue Wing Executive Officer at 631-723-7400 or Emily.Desrosier@NYSUFF.ang.af.mil not later than noon on Saturday, April 5. Media must be able to present a valid photo identification and vehicle registration for access to the military installation.