Four Roslyn-area veterans recently were the recipients of the Conspicuous Service Cross, New York state's highest military honor.

George A. Baecker, Harry Gill, and Dr. Paul A. Hamlin, all of Roslyn Heights, received their awards at an April 30 ceremony at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Great Neck.

Mr. Baecker is a Vietnam veteran who currently serves in the United States Army National Guard. In Vietnam, he was a member of the 54th Field Artillery division, serving from 1967-68. For the past 34 years, he has also been a member of the Roslyn Rescue fire company. Mr. Baecker received the Service Cross award after earlier being honored with a Bronze Star Medal for his service in Vietnam.

Mr. Gill is a veteran of the United States Army 26th Infantry Division which saw action in Europe during World War II, including the Battle of the Bulge. Mr. Gill received a Bronze Star Medal for his World War II service. Dr. Hamlin, a physician with offices in Great Neck, is a captain in the United States Air Force. Also receiving the same honor was Harold J. Drew of Albertson, who served as a sergeant in the United States Army 937th Field Artillery Battalion, which saw action during the Korean War.

The Conspicuous Service Cross is given to veterans that are currently New York residents or were citizens of the state while serving in the armed forces; who are either serving under honorable conditions or were honorably discharged from active duty and who have received at least one of several identified commendations. Such commendations include the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, or Bronze Star Medal.

The Cross is also awarded to an individual who was a prisoner of war; served at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941; directly participated in the D-Day invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944; or has been declared killed or missing in action.

New York State Assemblyman Thomas DiNapoli and Rear Admiral Joseph D. Stewart, superintendent of the USMMA jointly presented the honor to local veterans. "I'm proud of your service and proud to be here today to join in honoring each of you," Rear Admiral Stewart said in his welcoming remarks. "The Midshipman attending this academy can learn volumes from each of you for the service you gave to your country."

"Today is a celebration of selfless sacrifice and dedicated public service that these men and their families provided during the very precarious times of war that our country has faced," added DiNapoli. "You are among the heroes that set the stage for the peace that we now enjoy."