Chief receives Air Force Cross 40 years after mission

Retired Brig. Gen. Frank Cardile (left) awards retired Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Richardson after presenting him with the Air Force Cross April 5 at the Francis S. Gabreski Airport in New York. Chief Richardson was awarded the Air Force's second-highest honor for valor because of his actions during a March 1968 mission to rescue Airmen in Vietnam. During the mission, Richardson stood exposed in the door of an HH-53 Jolly Green Giant helicopter to fight off enemy forces attempting to board it. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. David J. Murphy)

Colonial Brass Honored to be a Part of Air Force Cross Ceremony

Published April 18, 2008
By SrA Laura Kluga
USAF Band of Liberty

Westhampton Beach, NY -- On April 5, 2008, in Westhampton Beach, NY, the Band of Liberty's very own Colonial Brass participated in one of the United States Air Force's second-highest honors ceremonies, presentation of the Air Force Cross. Retired Chief Masters Sergeant Dennis Richardson was awarded the Air Force Cross 40 years late for a rescue mission in Vietnam March 14, 1968.

Retired Chief Richardson is one of twenty-two Airmen to have been awarded the Air Force Cross since its inception, only three of which were awarded to enlisted Airmen since the end of the Vietnam War. The Chief is in the unique position to be awarded the Air Force cross while still alive.

Chief Richardson, now a Xerox repair technician, said he was glad he was able to receive the Air Force Cross in front of the Airmen he served with.

Lt. Gen. Donald J. Hoffman, the chief of Air Force acquisition, represented the secretary of the Air Force at the ceremony. Rep. Tim Bishop of Long Island and New York State Deputy Secretary for Homeland Security Michael Balboni were also in attendance.

The members of the Colonial Brass were honored to be a part of Air Force history this day, providing music for the ceremony and the reception immediately following.