New York National Guard Soldiers save civilian pilot from fiery crash

RONKONKOMA, N.Y. -- Four New York Army National Guard Soldiers who rescued a pilot from a burning plane received the state's highest medal for heroism during a June 4 ceremony at the National Guard's Army Aviation Support Facility at MacArthur Airport here.

The members of the Company B, 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Regiment were presented with the New York State Medal of Valor by Maj. Gen. Anthony German, the Adjutant General of New York.

On Feb. 26, the four men -- Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ronald Ramirez, Warrant Officers Christopher Hansen and Aaron Pacholk, and Sgt. Yaanique Scott -- exited a UH-60 helicopter and raced to a single engine plane that had crashed in the woods by Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach, N.Y.

They managed to pull pilot Richard Rosenthal, 61, out of the aircraft as it burned. Unfortunately, a passenger and a flight instructor lost their lives in the crash.

Three other Soldiers on the helicopter flight at that day received the New York State Conspicuous Service Medal for their quick actions in landing the helicopter and aiding in the rescue. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Joseph McCarthy, the aircraft commander; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Meghan Polis, the co-pilot; and Spc. Sarah Noschese received that award.

"It is from the bottom of my heart that I do say thank you," Rosenthal said at the ceremony. "It has given me a very new perspective on being able to say I am glad to be here. Thank you ever so much."

New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo also praised the Soldiers.

"These brave New Yorkers went above and beyond the call of duty and embody the very best of the New York National Guard," Cuomo said. "I commend the entire crew for their quick actions and I am proud to see these exemplary servicemen and women receive this very deserving honor."‎

The seven Soldiers were flying to Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach when the pilots were notified that a plane, which had been performing practice landings at the civilian airfield, could not be seen and was not responding to radio calls. The flight crew immediately started a search and discovered the downed private aircraft in a nearby wooded area.

After landing their helicopter approximately 200 feet away from the downed aircraft, which was already engulfed in flames, four members of the crew approached the burning plane and were able rescue Richard Rosenthal, one of the three individuals aboard the plane.

Unfortunately, efforts to rescue the remaining two passengers were unsuccessful.

"We should be reminded that nothing we do is routine," German said. "Every day can mean life or death. Their selfless and heroic efforts saved a life and we are proud to recognize their efforts."

The New York State Medal for Valor is awarded to members of the New York National Guard who display valor, heroism, courage or gallantry either in a military or civilian capacity. The New York State Conspicuous Service Medal is awarded for those who distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious service in a capacity of great responsibility.

"We just expected to go out and do training and ended up saving someone's life," Hansen said. "It's a proud moment. We had a great crew that accomplished something

special for Mr. Rosenthal."

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