 Citation...
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above
and beyond the call of duty . . . Chief Master Sergeant Richard L.
Etchberger distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism on March
11, 1968, in the country of Laos, while assigned as Ground Radar
Superintendent, Detachment 1, 1043d Radar Evaluation Squadron.
On that date, Chief Etchberger and his team of technicians were
manning a top secret defensive position at Lima Site 85 when the
base was overrun by an enemy ground force. Receiving sustained and
withering heavy artillery attacks directly upon his unit's position,
Chief Etchberger's entire crew lay dead or severely wounded. Despite
having received little or no combat training, Chief Etchberger
single-handedly held off the enemy with an M-16, while
simultaneously directing air strikes into the area and calling for
air rescue.
Because of his fierce defense and heroic and selfless actions, he
was able to deny the enemy access to his position and save the lives
of his remaining crew. With the arrival of the rescue aircraft,
Chief Etchberger, without hesitation, repeatedly and deliberately
risked his own life, exposing himself to heavy enemy fire in order
to place three surviving wounded comrades into rescue slings hanging
from the hovering helicopter waiting to airlift them to safety. With
his remaining crew safely aboard, Chief Etchberger finally climbed
into an evacuation sling himself, only to be fatally wounded by
enemy ground fire as he was being raised into the aircraft.
Chief Etchberger's bravery and determination in the face of
persistent enemy fire and overwhelming odds are in keeping with the
highest standards of performance and traditions of military service.
Chief Etchberger's gallantry, self-sacrifice, and profound concern
for his fellow men at risk of his life, above and beyond the call of
duty, reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States
Air Force.
Richard L. Etchberger's
Medal of Honor Presentation
|
Etchberger, Richard L.
