HAMBURG – Legislation to designate a twelve mile portion of Interstate 78 in the Hamburg Area as the CMSgt. Richard L. Etchberger Memorial Highway was unanimously passed by the Senate today. The legislation, Senate Bill 199, was introduced by Senator Dave Argall (R-29) and now moves to the House Transportation Committee.
“I am very pleased to see this bill move so quickly through the Senate to honor a local American hero,” stated Senator Argall.
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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