The U.S. Navy recently honored Norfolk native Paul Legg for heroic actions that saved the lives of 33 people in 1956.

Recognizing the signs of a gasoline leak on board his reconnaissance plane, Legg shrewdly directed passengers to limit, isolate, and then remove the spreading fumes, which could easily have caused a fatal explosion. The retired Navy Master chief, age 88, fought in both World War II and the Korean War, but it took 56 years for his bravery to be officially recognized. Legg was awarded the Navy and Marine Corp Commendation Medal and Certificate at the Cornerstone Baptist Church on Sunday.

“I just did my job and when I was in the Navy, I tried to do it as good as I could,” Legg told the Virginian-Pilot. “I feel like I’ve really accomplished something now.”