U.S. Strategic Command memorializes enlisted Airman with library dedication

United States Strategic Command officially dedicated its command library in honor of Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam War hero, Chief Master Sgt. Richard L. Etchberger, in a ceremony here May 7.

U.S. Navy Adm. Rich Correll, commander of USSTRATCOM, and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jo Naumann, command senior enlisted leader of USSTRATCOM, presided over the ceremony in the LeMay Command and Control Facility atrium. The library now stands as a tribute to Etchberger's extraordinary courage and his support to the strategic bomber missions of his era.

Etchberger was part of the 1043rd Radar Evaluation Squadron, based out of Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, supporting the highly-classified Operation Heavy Green in Laos. On March 11, 1968, his top-secret radar station, Lima Site 85, came under heavy artillery attack and was in danger of being overrun by enemy forces.

The radar, which relies on the electromagnetic spectrum, provided precise targeting data for bombers, and was a precursor to the Advanced Command Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR), capabilities that support everything USSTRATCOM does today.

During the ambush, Etchberger single-handedly defended his position against the overwhelming enemy force, simultaneously directing airstrikes and coordinating an air rescue, repeatedly and deliberately risking his own life.

"As far as I can see, combat is and will continue to be, at the center of it, a human endeavor," said Correll, during the ceremony. "What that individual does when they find themselves in a very, very challenging situation can have a tremendous impact on others as it gets paid forward."

When a helicopter arrived, Etchberger left his safe position and braved enemy fire to place three wounded technicians in helicopter slings. With his remaining crew safely aboard, he finally climbed into the rescue sling. Tragically, a burst of enemy ground fire fatally wounded him as the helicopter turned away from the mountain.

"He embodies everything that an NCO should be," said Naumann. "He fought, not because it was what he was trained to do, but because it was what he needed to do in that moment. And then he made sure that every one of his people were on that aircraft before he was."

For his heroism and sacrifice, Etchberger was awarded the Air Force Cross posthumously. The operation remained classified, however, and the existence of his award was not publicly acknowledged until 1998. After the declassification of the mission and a reevaluation of his actions, Etchberger was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2010.

The USSTRATCOM dedication concluded with an official unveiling, henceforth naming the facility the Chief Master Sergeant Richard L. Etchberger Command Library, ensuring his legacy of courage, sacrifice and technical expertise continues to inspire all who serve.