Recent donations honor Etchberger legacy

  • Published
  • By Kelly Deichert
  • Air University Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFNS) --  In honor of his legacy and to inspire future generations of Airmen, two contributions were added to the Chief Master Sgt. Richard L. Etchberger displays at Gunter Annex near here March 26.

Etchberger, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2010, is the only Air Force chief master sergeant to be awarded the Medal of Honor, according to Air University Foundation officials.

A bronze bust of Etchberger is on display at the Air Force Senior NCO Academy, while his Medal of Honor is on display at the Enlisted Heritage Research Institute. Artist John Lajba forged the bust and eleven members of Etchberger's family donated the medal.

"Both the bust and the Medal of Honor will be treated with respect and dignity," said retired Col. Joseph Panza, the executive director of the AU Foundation. "They will serve as a constant reminder of the heroism of a true American hero."

Panza thanked the family for its contribution. "You honor the Air Force, the Air University and the city of Montgomery."

In March 2011, the Air University Foundation established a display and an award in Etchberger's honor. The Chief Master Sgt. Richard L. Etchberger Team Award recognizes the SNCOA flight most dedicated to academics, physical fitness and community involvement. Each student receives a medallion featuring Etchberger and the Medal of Honor on one side, and Lima Site 85 in Laos, where he was killed, on the other.

The SNCOA display, which now includes the bronze bust, also features his medallions, a portrait of the chief and a brief history of his mission at Site 85.

Cory Etchberger, the chief's son, spoke on behalf of the family, thanking Panza, the Air University Foundation, SNCOA and Enlisted Heritage Research Institute for their efforts to keep his father's memory alive.

"There is no doubt that this is the right place for this medal," he said. "And there is no doubt in our minds that this is where Dad would want it to be."

Chief Master Sgt. Tom Young, the director of the Enlisted Heritage Research Institute, spoke of the Medal of Honor donation. "Let his medal serve as a beacon and reminder of the proud heritage of enlisted men and women who have sacrificed and have kept our nation free," he said.

Lt. Gen. David Fadok, president and commander of the Air University, said that Etchberger's heroic actions and legacy of valor embody the Air Force core values. The chief's leadership and teamwork in the face of overwhelming odds should serve as an inspiration to Airmen everywhere, he added.

"Service members from all walks of life will have the opportunity, through this donation, to learn Chief Etchberger's story and to better understand how his story has added richness and nobility to our Airman's Creed," Fadok said.

History

In November 1967, Etchberger and his crew began providing radar guidance to Air Force F-105s around Hanoi from Site 85 in Laos. When enemy troops raided his camp on March 11, 1968, Etchberger kept the enemy back with an M-16.

"Chief Etchberger placed himself between his men and the bad guys, held them off for three hours while at the same time calling for help," Panza said.

An Air America helicopter came to the rescue and hoisted up four technicians, including Etchberger. As they pulled away from the side of the cliff, six armor piercing rounds came through the floor, one of them hitting Etchberger. He died before they could reach medical attention. He was 35 years old.

Panza was part of the rescue mission as co-pilot of a rescue HH-53B, call sign Jolly Green 67. He and his crew rescued a staff sergeant, bringing the number saved to four.

"We witnessed firsthand the carnage and the extreme, extraordinary heroism that took place that fateful morning," he said.

"We lost 11 men that morning," Panza added. "That was the largest loss of Air Force ground personnel in Southeast Asia."