American Legion Post 2 Honors Pearl Harbor Vet

Sen. Henri Martin read a proclamation in honor of Riccio Sr., telling the story of his valor.

After surviving Pearl Harbor, Riccio Sr. was aboard the B-17 Bomber “The Calamity Jane” when it was shot down in the Pacific. Its pilot was killed and although he had no prior flight training he was able to take it down for a safe landing. He received a Distinguished Flying Cross.

After the war, he would later fly supplies to Berlin during The Berlin Airlift from 1948 to 1949.

“It’s always an honor to be here and to thank you all for your service,” Martin said.

Martin said that 200 service medals in Bristol and Plainville were given out to World War II veterans this summer.

He encouraged those who had not yet received them or their family members to reach out to him.

http://www.bristolpress.com/BP-Bristol+News/340590/american-legion-post-2-honors-pearl-harbor-vets