Pacific Air Forces honors Chief Etchberger

  • Published
  • By Capt. Alysia Harvey
  • HQ PACAF PA
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  Pacific Air Forces Airmen gathered in the Courtyard of Heroes here April 29 to honor Chief Master Sgt. Richard L. Etchberger, the most recent Medal of Honor recipient.

Gen. Gary North, Pacific Air Forces commander, addressing Airmen and attendees of the 2011 PACAF Commanders, Comand Chiefs & Spouses Conference, began by noting that among all the military decorations our nation can bestow, none is higher than the Medal of Honor.

"Tens of millions of Americans have worn our uniform, but fewer than 3,500 have received the Medal of Honor," he said. "This morning we recognize the most recent Airman to join this exclusive group, Chief Master Sergeant Richard Etchberger, whose plaque will be hung next to Pacific Air Forces' 29 other Medal of Honor recipients on our Wall of Valor, here at Pacific Air Forces' Headquarters."

After briefly speaking on the heroic actions Chief Etchberger performed in Vietnam on Mar. 10, 1968, General North went on to say that the chief was the epitome of a non-commissioned officer and one who embodied the Airman's creed.

"He was a true wingman, leader, and warrior, ensuring he did not leave an Airman behind, and that he never faltered or failed," the general said.

The commander then highlighted the similarity between Chief Etchberger's situation and what many Airmen face today.

"Since 9-11, countless Airmen have stepped up to carry out dangerous and vitally important missions," he said. "Whether it's disarming [improvised explosive devices] along the roads of Iraq and Afghanistan, driving supply trucks through dangerous territory, acting as part of provincial reconstruction teams, and all the other things Airmen do on the ground and in the air, Airmen today are making contributions that were once unimaginable. As the first combat support Airman to receive the Medal of Honor, Chief Etchberger's story will continue to inspire our entire Service for many years to come."

Chief Master Sgt. Brooke McLean, PACAF command chief, said he is encouraged by the hero's commitment to the core value of service before self.

"Chief Etchberger volunteered for a mission that he knew could put him in harm's way, but that didn't deter him," said Chief McLean. "When he and his fellow Airmen were attacked, although he had little to no combat training and was armed only with his M-16 and a survival radio to call in airstrikes, Chief Etchberger courageously protected his fellow Airmen and exposed himself to enemy fire multiple times. He remained focused on the mission, he didn't complain ... he served his country, his fellow man, and he made the ultimate sacrifice for which we honor him today."

After a rendition of "Lest We Forget" performed by Tech. Sgt. Richard Vasquez and Airman 1st Class Aaron Kusterer, both from the Headquarters PACAF Band, the ceremony concluded with General North and Chief McLean laying a wreath at the base of the courtyard's eternal flame monument in memory of Chief Etchberger.

"We are extremely proud of Chief Etchberger's actions in combat," said General North. "And we are extremely happy that our Nation, after 42 years, has given Chief Etchberger the recognition he deserved, and that today he can take his rightful place among Pacific Air Forces' greatest heroes."