US

Heroic Vietnam-Era Serviceman Posthumously Awarded Medal of Honor

This afternoon, President Barack Obama posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor to the family of the late Richard L. “Dick” Etchberger, an Air Force chief master sergeant who was killed in action 42 years ago. Heroic Vietnam Era Serviceman Posthumously Awarded Medal of Honor

Why the long delay? Etchberger died saving three fellow airman in Laos during a covert Vietnam-era mission. Because of the secrecy surrounding the mission and its actors, Etchberger’s heroism has been kept under wraps for more than four decades.

In a ceremony in the East Room of the White House, President Obama presented the honor to Etchberger’s three sons. “Today your nation finally acknowledges and fully honors your father’s bravery,” the president told them.

“Even though it’s been 42 years, it’s never too late to do the right thing,” Obama said.

One of the sons later commented that his father would have been humbled to receive the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor bestowed in the United States military. “He would be here just saying ‘I was doing my job up there,’” Richard Etchberger told reporters.

Etchberger was a native of Hamburg, Pa., and worked in electronics. According to the Associated Press, Etchberger — who had no formal combat training — “single-handedly kept the North Vietnamese enemy at bay while helping evacuate wounded comrades from their radar station on a remote Laotian mountain after coming under attack.” The following day, he was working to get three wounded soldiers into rescue slings and on their way to safety when enemy ground fire struck the rescue helicopter. Etchberger was fatally wounded in the exchange.

According to the AP, the mission had been kept secret for years — not even his children knew of their father’s bravery and heroic example.

Comments (36)

  • OpenEyeAz
    Posted on September 22, 2010 at 10:36am

    Eagle275 said it just right ., Obama‘s buddies were screaming burning and supporting the enemy while our brave soldier’s were in the jungle.

    God bless Sgt. Richard L. Etchberger…A soldier , may he rest in peace .

    Report Post » OpenEyeAz  
  • charliego
    Posted on September 22, 2010 at 8:39am

    Sending congratulations to your family for this long delayed honor. I am sure there are many more unsung heroes. I wish this could be shown in schools as they study the Vietnam War–and how poorly some in our Nation treated our returning Vets in that very scewed time.

    Report Post » charliego  
  • needanotherReagan
    Posted on September 21, 2010 at 11:46pm

    CMS Richard Etchberger I thank you and I salute you.

    Report Post »  
  • catmman
    Posted on September 21, 2010 at 10:33pm

    Now I’m picking fly poop out of pepper, but in the article (as well as the AP’s) Chief Master Sergeant isn’t capitalized. The man busted his arse for his stripes, just as I and many others have done throughout the years. Let’s write this stuff up right.

    Vetting and editing, people…

    Report Post »  
  • catmman
    Posted on September 21, 2010 at 10:18pm

    Chief Etchberger received the Air Force Cross posthumously in 1968 for this action. There was no “long delay” in recognizing the Chief for his heroism. He is featured prominently in the Air Force PDG (formerly PFE) which all AF enlisted folks study for promotion. Everyone, including his family, know what happened to him.

    Did no one AP or anyone here at The Blaze vet the facts of this article? I can see the MSM using the info they were given, they hardly fact check anything. But if The Blaze is going to be different, then the need to vet the material posted needs a bit more scrutiny. None of the ‘facts’ of this incident have been hidden or “kept under wraps” for forty years. Given that the facts are so easily known, especially to anyone who has spent any time in the Air Force, the hyperbole seems a bit much and is questionable to me.

    I don’t say this in any way to detract from the well deserved recognition for the Chief nor to take anything away from his family. Let’s just do better in our reporting.

    Report Post »  
  • Recon
    Posted on September 21, 2010 at 9:39pm

    using this man, who well deserves the honor & recognition………

    mmm, The bigger cheese is likely also upset at the Godless turn of events in God’s country.

    - “I am the Lord your God . . . You shall have no other God’s before me.”

    - Boy, have you screwed that one up……..I imagine that is a big one with the man upstairs.

    You see, God works his will through the faithful,
    and not those like yourself who pray to false Gods
    .. bear false witness on a daily basis -
    - you don’t even know what the truth is anymore.

    “They even got you thinking you fight “terrorists” by slaying
    .. one side of the same Dirham coin.

    Whose the fool Barry, you, or me? ……..Don’t answer that, we know the answer.

    Report Post »  
  • BarryDead
    Posted on September 21, 2010 at 9:27pm

    Bottom line….he gave his life saving others. He should be honored. BO doesnt matter at all.

    Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • voodoolife
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 10:02pm

      Indeed. I doubt anyone in that room cared that Obama was even there. I was, and should be about Mr. Etchberger.

      Report Post » voodoolife  
  • hemipuma
    Posted on September 21, 2010 at 8:39pm

    This man deserved this honor long ago.

    Report Post » hemipuma  
  • broker0101
    Posted on September 21, 2010 at 8:23pm

    Oh, and USNVET; How’s that Hope and Change working out for you?

    Report Post » broker0101  
    • USNVET66-70
      Posted on September 22, 2010 at 12:46am

      Not well at all, that is why I would like to see the present group replaced. In order to do that, we have to avoid the kind of responses that allow the opposition to dismiss us. I asked for a little respect. I should have known better.

      Report Post »  
  • lacrosseplayer617
    Posted on September 21, 2010 at 8:23pm

    Fantastic. I give all my blessings to the family. God bless.

    Report Post »  
  • midcoastmainepatriot
    Posted on September 21, 2010 at 7:45pm

    May God Bless all our military. They are all HERO’S to me.

    Report Post » midcoastmainepatriot  
  • broker0101
    Posted on September 21, 2010 at 7:44pm

    Sadly, the Medal of Honor has become, largely, a political tool. Although ALWAYS awarded to a deserving serviceman, unfortunately, by the same token, not always awarded to those who deserve it.

    Report Post » broker0101  
    • Buck Bagaw
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 7:54pm

      Read that twice. Huh??

      Report Post »  
    • broker0101
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 8:00pm

      IMHO, The Medal of Honor is only given when a politician stands to gain from its presentation. It is earned (but never awarded) much more frequently.. Again, IMHO.

      Report Post » broker0101  
    • BRAWNDO1958
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 8:01pm

      buck bagaw- what he is saying is that everyone who gets a MofH is deserving, but many many more who are deserving never get one. Hence, the awarding of the MofH is often somewhat politcal.

      Report Post » BRAWNDO1958  
    • USNVET66-70
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 8:05pm

      That TOOL you refer to the majority of the time requires the recipients life.So please when it comes to this subject keep your political comments to your self. As you can see I was one of the many,so a little respect please

      Report Post »  
    • broker0101
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 8:13pm

      USNVET,The Medal of honor does not have to be awarded posthumously. The fact that it often is supports my POLITICAL based opinion. Do your homework before challenging me again.

      Report Post » broker0101  
    • broker0101
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 8:37pm

      Here’s a little documentation for any of you who believe POLITICS is out of bounds regarding the Medal of Honor,
      “There are two distinct protocols for awarding the Medal of Honor. The first is nomination and approval through a service member’s chain of command (****My addition: who here thinks SGT Etchberger’s “chain of command” pushed for this award? Perhaps more likely***** end of my addition). The second method is nomination by a member of Congress (generally at the request of a constituent) and approval by a special act of Congress. In both cases, the Medal of Honor is presented by the President on behalf of the Congress.
      Now, please, scold me some more, USNVET. On second thought. Don’t.

      Report Post » broker0101  
    • Mr.Citrus
      Posted on September 22, 2010 at 9:00pm

      Broker… I don’t like you attitude. The negative prison you keep your self in must be painful.

      Report Post » Mr.Citrus  
  • BRAWNDO1958
    Posted on September 21, 2010 at 7:42pm

    In the year 2052, we will be giving postumous MofH to service people killed in Yemen, Pakistan, and elsewhere.

    Report Post » BRAWNDO1958  
  • jcatlanta
    Posted on September 21, 2010 at 7:34pm

    If I was still in the military, I would not be interested in getting any medals from Ozozo. It does mean something depending who it comes from. If you know you are getting it only because its a PR shot for Obozo, then I don’t want it. If you think he really believes in the men and women in our military, you are kidding yourself. He views it as nothing more than a useful tool to achieve his goals.

    Ask the servicemen here that are no longer active duty and see if they would want a medal from Obozo or not. I can tell you they would rather get recognized by their unit or their CO a lot more.

    Report Post » jcatlanta  
    • Buck Bagaw
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 7:51pm

      It’s the Congressional Medal of Honor!! It was earned by a hero whose family has a right to it. By your way of thinking they should wait for a president that you deem worthy to make the presentation. This is about Sgt Etchberger and his family,Obama is just the delivery man. Take a pill!

      Report Post »  
    • jcatlanta
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 8:44pm

      @Buck Bagaw
      This is what I said above, “Even though it was from Obozo, I am proud this man finally got his due recognition.”
      I do not in any way mean to denigrate what this man has done. He is a hero and I appreciate what he did. I know is family will truly appreciate his recognition; however, in my own case ONLY, if my father who fought in World War II was to get a posthumous medal from this administration I would definitely have mixed emotions about it. I would feel slighted due to the person giving it doesn’t believe in what he is doing giving the medal. Its a photo op. But again, I can’t say ebnough good things about the man getting the medal. I’m sorry my point was misunderstood.

      Report Post » jcatlanta  
  • Buck Bagaw
    Posted on September 21, 2010 at 7:30pm

    To SGT Etchbergers sons, Humility is always a virtue of a real hero, it is up to you to be proud. Your Dad died unselfishly doing what he considered his job. I’m sorry you did not have him for all these years, but take comfort in the fact the he gave the gift of life to those he saved.
    To the posters trying to cheapen this Hero’s recognition by inserting political sniping: HOW DARE YOU? Weasels!!

    Report Post »  
  • shards of narsil
    Posted on September 21, 2010 at 7:20pm

    jesus, some of you people will go to any length to find fault and criticism in anything that president obama does.

    Report Post »  
    • dawg22
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 7:34pm

      This man isn’t sincere when it comes to the military, never has been, never will be. We hated Carter, loved Reagan and hated Clinton. I guarantee you 90% of the military despises this clown. It’s publicity and nothing more. It’s great that Chief Master Sergeant Etchberger received the Medal of Honor, I’m sure his family greatly appreciates the recognition of their father. Semper Fi Chief..

      Report Post »  
    • eagle275
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 11:21pm

      Yeah, BHO’s buddies were flyinh the NVA flag and spitting on these guys when they came home, and called them baby killers too. Same-Same as Hanoi Jane. Google the pics of Hanoi Jane sitting in the NVA anti-aircraft gun seat. Google pics of BHO’s carrying the NVA flag. There’s gonna be lots of vets ******* on their graves.

      Report Post »  
  • Taquoshi
    Posted on September 21, 2010 at 7:18pm

    Semper fi, Chief Master Sergeant Etchberger.

    Report Post » Taquoshi  
  • Chris
    Posted on September 21, 2010 at 7:13pm

    This is very much a case of respecting the office(rank) while not always respecting the man.

    Report Post »  
  • spendthrift
    Posted on September 21, 2010 at 7:11pm

    Just another political PR gig at the expense of an American family. So sad………

    Report Post » spendthrift  
    • broker0101
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 8:03pm

      Perhaps not at THAT families expense, but certainly at many other families’ expenses.

      broker0101  
    • broker0101
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 8:05pm

      Correction, DEFINITELY not at THAT family’s expense. They may have been used as props, but their sacrifice and SGT Etchberger’s heroism are completely genuine.

      broker0101  
  • jcatlanta
    Posted on September 21, 2010 at 7:08pm

    Even though it was from Obozo, I am proud this man finally got his due recognition.

    jcatlanta  

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