HAMBURG – Legislation to designate a twelve mile portion of Interstate 78 in the Hamburg Area as the CMSgt. Richard L. Etchberger Memorial Highway was approved today by the Senate Transportation Committee. The legislation, Senate Bill 199, was introduced by Senator Dave Argall (R-29) and now moves to the floor of the Senate for its consideration.
“This legislation was suggested to me by several Hamburg residents to ensure that a local American hero was properly honored. Chief Master Sergeant Etchberger’s selfless acts to save fellow Americans during the Vietnam War deserve the recognition of the community, state and nation. Our goal is to dedicate this section of Interstate 78 in Dick’s memory.”
A resident of Hamburg, Chief Master Sergeant Etchberger was part of an elite crew on a classified mission in Laos during the Vietnam War. His group was attacked by hundreds of guerillas and North Vietnamese soldiers. He suffered fatal wounds after holding off the attacks, while ensuring everyone was safely on board a rescue helicopter on March 11, 1968. On September 21, 2010, he was recognized with the Medal of Honor, with his sons and family being presented the award, the highest military award given by the United States government.
Contact: Jon Hopcraft
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