Maj. James Brophy, a Dutchess County native, was among those killed in a plane crash overseas.

The U.S. military confirmed Wednesday that the 36-year-old was one of five Marines killed when his refueling aircraft collided with a fighter jet over Japan’s Shikoku island on Dec. 6.

Brophy's father, a former Poughkeepsie fire captain, was visited by his crew to honor his son and show their love and support.

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro recognized the life and sacrifice of Brophy, ordering all county flags to be lowered to half-staff.

"Maj. Brophy defended our nation and our liberty, and will forever be remembered as an American hero who selflessly sacrificed to protect our homeland and the values we hold dear,” Molinaro wrote in a statement.

The crash was the third fatal military incident involving Dutchess County residents in the past two years.

"Just thinking about, you know, your family and understanding that heartbreak always hurts a little bit worse around the holidays," says Jeanine Chapin.