USAF ROTORHEAD Members

Dennis Richardson

USAF November 1964 – Discharged October 1968.

1965, Minot AFB, ND., TDY 180 Days to NKP Thailand with 606th Air Commandos as a UH-1F Mechanic.

November 1967 – May 1968, 37th ARRS at Da Nang, as a HH-3E Flight Engineer.

May 1968 – October 1968, Ellsworth AFB, SD., as UH-1F Mech. 

1975 – 2005, New York ANG on HH-3E and HH-60G at Gabreski ANG Base, Westhampton Beach, NY.

~~~~~~~~~~

~ Final Flight 01 June 2016 ~

Dennis M. Richardson, CMSgt., USAF (Retired)
December 29, 1945 – June 01, 2016

RICHARDSON-Dennis M. of Mahopac, NY (formerly of Amity-ville, LI) on June 01, 2016.

Honored and distinguished U.S. Air Force veteran and recipient of the Air Force Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing force during the Vietnam War. Proud member of the Legion of Valor and the Jolly Green Association.

Beloved husband of Deirdre Richardson. Loving father of Sean P., Dennis M. Jr., Megan, Evlyn (Joe Zeisler) and the late Mary E. Richardson. Cherished grandfather of Eamon and the late Nora E. Richardson, Aidan, Rudy & Jordyn Zeisler. Fond brother of John Richardson, Noreen Malloy, the late Sister Marie Richardson and the late Kevin Richardson.

Reposing Tuesday 7-9:30 PM and Wednesday 2-4:30 & 7-9:30 PM at the Powell Funeral Home, Inc., 67 Broadway (Rt. 110), Amityville. John J. Kreyer VFW Post #7223 Service Wednesday, 8:00 PM. Funeral Mass Thursday, 10:30 AM St. Martin of Tours R.C. Church, Amityville. Military Honors will be rendered at church immediately after the funeral mass.
(www.powellfh.com)

The family has requested in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Gary Sinise Foundation, PO Box 50008, Studio City, CA 91614-5001 or www.garysinisefoundation.org
Published in Newsday on June 5, 2016

Chief Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Force 1964-1968, New York Air National Guard 1975-2005

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Air Force Cross Citation

“The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Chief Master Sergeant (Retired), [then Sergeant] Dennis M. Richardson, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Flight Engineer of an HH-3E Jolly Green rescue helicopter of the 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, 3rd Air Rescue and Recovery Group, Da Nang Air Base, Vietnam, in action in Southeast Asia on 14 March 1968. On that date, Sergeant 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 Sergeant Richardson’s helicopter had itself sustained significant battle damage. Despite their situation, and with complete disregard for their own safety, Sergeant Richardson and his crew elected to return and make a second rescue attempt. Coming to a hover 10 feet above the survivor’s position, Sergeant 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 enemy fire erupted from all quadrants, resulting in additional damage to “Jolly Green 22” and wounding Sergeant Richardson. In an extraordinary display of courage and valor, Sergeant Richardson, despite his wounds, leaned far outside the door and neutralized charging enemy combatants who appeared intent on boarding the helicopter. Sergeant 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 Sergeant Richardson undoubtedly saved his helicopter and crew from certain disaster. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of a determined enemy, Sergeant Richardson reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ GUEST BOOK ~

June 5, 2016
I am truly sorry to hear about Dennis. He was always a joy and fun to be around. We had such a good time last April. My heart goes out to you and the family With respect and love
~
ART Arthur E Smith Jr, Casselberry, FL

June 5, 2016
~
JUDY HOLDEN FREEMAN, HAMPTON, SC LIGHT A CANDLE

June 5, 2016
Just got back from Vacation and I am in shock. Dennis was a good friend he and I had many great experiences at Da Nang. RIP Dennis.
~
Arthur Brand, Summerfield, FL