Chief Master Sergeant Richard L. Etchberger

On March 11, 1968, Technical Sergeant Richard L. Etchberger defended a classified radar site atop a remote Laotian mountaintop during an overwhelming North Vietnamese assault. Although seriously wounded, he continued directing the defense, rescued wounded teammates, and loaded them onto a rescue helicopter while remaining exposed to enemy fire. After ensuring others were safely aboard, he was fatally wounded. His extraordinary courage and selfless actions saved the lives of fellow Airmen. In 2010, more than four decades later, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism.