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 House Transportation Committee. The legislation, Senate Bill 199, was introduced by Senator Dave Argall (R-29) and is being guided through the House by Representative Jerry Knowles (R-124). Senate Bill 199 now moves to the floor of the House for its consideration.
“Designating this highway in Chief Master Sergeant Etchberger’s honor will demonstrate our gratitude to his family and it will ensure his service to our nation will not be forgotten,” said Knowles. “It is my sincere hope this memorial will serve as a reminder to all who see it that our freedoms do not come without a cost.”
“Chief Master Sergeant Etchberger’s selfless acts to save fellow Americans during the Vietnam War deserve the recognition of the community, state and nation,” added Argall. “I’m pleased to see this bill move through the House Transportation Committee this week 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.
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