Sarah Berg
sarz4@austin.rr.com
admirer
9100 Calera Drive Unit 15 Austin TX 78735 United States
A friend of Richard Etchberger, Melvin Arnold Holland
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zygafo9AVd4
My junior year of high school, I was randomly assigned a name from the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. The goal of the project was to create a simple photo story honoring a soldier and their family. I found that the story of Melvin Arnold Holland was too powerful not to share and immediately became attached. Melvin was one of the men based on Lima Site 85 before it was over run and heroically saved by Dick Etchberger. Because of their similar story, the video memorial I created is a remembrance not only for Melvin and his family but also for Dick and his family.
My deepest condolences to the Etchberger family. Dick was a true hero.
Jun 27, 2013 |
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Medal of Honor Citation
Medal of Honor Citation
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The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Chief Master Sergeant Richard Loy Etchberger (AFSN: 13409393), United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. Chief Master Sergeant Etchberger distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism on 11 March 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 defensive 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 comrades into rescue slings hanging form 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.
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Aug 17, 2011 |
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William Peterson
runes1@comcast.net
Combat support Oct 67-March 11, 68
24909 Woods Drive Denton MD 21629 USA
Thailand-Laos-Cambodia Brotherhood
http://www.tlc-brotherhood.org
The Thailand Laos Cambodia Brotherhood will hold its National Reunion 18-21 August 2011 in Washington, D.C. with the theme 'Back to the Wall'. At 2000 Hrs on 18 August we will conduct a Wreath Ceremony at The Wall at Panel 44E to honor the men of USAF covert project Heavy Green,and in so doing we will recognize the uncommon valor of CMSgt Ricard Etchberger.
If you can see, in your mind's eye, the Wall and Panel 44E: I'm standing there, my back to the Wall and the Chaplain is close by and off to my right. Bob Wheatley and Les Thompson, TLCB Veterans, approach carrying the Wreath. Bob and Less turn away from the sidewalk and proceed towards the Panel and stop. They set the Wreath down. Bob says his prepared remarks to all of us on behalf of the TLC Brotherhood. I move aside toward the Chaplain to make room for the wreath. Bob and Les move forward and set the wreath at its final place, step back one step, and face the Wall at attention. I make brief remarks of acceptance on behalf of Col Clayton, former SKYSPOT commanding officer, the Officers and Enlisted Men of Operation Heavy Green at Lima Site 85, and read the names of the 12 KIA. CMSgt Etchberger is recognized as the recipient of the Medal of Honor. I conclude with a statement that our ceremony extends outward from our organization to include all our Brothers who are the KIA, MIA, POW, WIA, and Veterans of the Second Indochina War. We then perform, at my command, a Hand Salute. The Chaplain says a prayer. Then the ceremony is closed: Bob and Les turn and remove to the walkway, followed by the Chaplain and myself.
William R. Peterson,(Then)1/LT, USAF, Senior Director,
Tactical Air Control Center- North Sector
Monkey Mountain, I Corps, RVN June 1967 - June 1968
Callsign 'Motel' in direct support of LS 85 'Wager'
3 August 2011
Aug 3, 2011 |
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Chris Hamley
Fellow, Vietnam veteran
Colorado Springs, CO.
I'm so glad to hear, that this American hero will, finally receive his Medal, of Honor, later this month. His heroism is an example, of the bravery and commitment, that have always, been, a part, of our military. I'am personally honored to say, I served, in Vietnam, (United States Navy, Mekong Delta, 1970) with men like, Sgt., Etchberger. As our country, is under siege by forces, which we cannot fully comprehend, courage and love, of country as seen here, will help bring us through, to yet, another victory. These are only made possible, by American heroes, like the sergeant. NONE OF THEM WILL EVER, BE FORGOTTEN!! I'am crying right now, thinking, about their sacrifices. God bless, America and all, who serve her.
Sep 4, 2010 |
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LArry MUse
larrymuse690@sbcglobal.net
Veteran
10914, Mayfield Road, Houston, TX., 77043, USA
posthumous Medal, of Honor
WASHINGTON — President, Barack Obama is, awarding, a posthumous Medal of Honor, to an Air Force, chief, master sergeant, who, braved enemy fire to help, three wounded comrades, before suffering, his own fatal, wounds, during combat, in Laos, in 1968.
The White House says Obama will present the medal to survivors of Richard Etchberger on Sept. 21.
According to the White House, the Hamburg, Pa., native showed 'conspicuous gallantry' on March 11, 1968, when he deliberately exposed himself to enemy fire to help his wounded comrades into rescue slings so they could be airlifted to safety.
Etchberger was fatally wounded by enemy fire as he was being rescued. His three sons are expected to join Obama at the White House to commemorate their father's sacrifice.
Sep 4, 2010 |
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Donald Correll
Richard, Another Veteran's day, is here and we are still losing, service men and women, to battles that will not, be won, by fighting. Your sacrafice will, not be forgotten, as long as there is, a Vietnam Veteran alive. Thank You, for you service and sacrifice, you gave, your all. a fellow, Vietnam Veteran, from Hamburg.
Nov 11, 2009 |
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Garnet Jenkins
garijen@bresnan.net
Grand Junction, Co.
~ In Humble Tribute, To A Fallen, Hero ~
In Tribute, to CMS., Richard Loy Etchberger and with Profound, Gratitude, for his Courage, Service and Dedication, to our Country and for Freedom. Rest in Peace and know, that you will, NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. I'am the sister, of Sgt., David Dickinson, another young hero, who also made, the Supreme Sacrifice in Vietnam, in 1967.... 'NOR, SHALL YOUR GLORY BE FORGOT, WHILE FAME HER RECORD KEEPS, OR HONOR POINTS, TO THE HALLOWED, SPOT, WHERE VALOR PROUDLY SLEEPS' ~ Theodore O''Hara ~
Oct 4, 2009 |
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davy b
davybaker@suddenlink.net
Kilgore, Tx.
remembrance
Honoring the memory, of a patriot and hero. Thank you for your dedication, courage and years, of service, to our nation. 'WERE IT NOT FOR THE BRAVE, THERE WOULD BE NO LAND, OF THE FREE.' ~Anon~ Some veterans and probably few politicians, have ever heard, of Lima, Site 85! For you and the others who were there, 'THE GRACE OF OUR LORD, JESUS CHRIST BE, WITH YOU ALL.' ~ Romans 16:24 ~ My brother was, USAF. and MIA., in Laos 'til his remains were recovered, ID'd and returned, in 2005. 'THEY STAND IN AN UNBROKEN, LINE, OF PATRIOTS WHO, DARED, TO DIE, THAT FREEDOM, MIGHT LIVE. FREEDOM LIVES AND THROUGH IT THEY LIVE, IN A WAY THAT HUMBLES, THE UNDERTAKING, OF MOST MEN.' ~ Gen. Dwight David Eisenhower ~ Rest in peace, Richard Loy Etchberger, YOU, ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!!!
Oct 4, 2009 |
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manny g
Fellow Veteran 69-70 An Khe
Union Gap, WA. 98903
“You are Remembered”
Peace and condolence, to the family and friends. “He which hath no stomach, to this fight, let him depart. But we in it, shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.” Rest in peace brave soldier, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare) May God Bless you, for your Sacrifice!!!
Mar 11, 2008 |
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Malcolm Kirby
mlkdrk@earthlink.net
USAF Veteran-191st photo recon.
Rest in Peace, my Brother, You will, not be forgotten...
Mar 11, 2008 |
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