daniel, on board first. >> it was not for him, i would not be alive today. >> reporter: but etchberger didn't survive. as the chopper pulled away, there was gunfire from the ground. >> etch had been sitting on the jump seat right above my head. that bullet went right through him, killed him instantly. i live it every day. i live it every day. it haunts me. >> reporter: etchberger was posthumously, secretly, awarded the air force cross for his heroism. it was feared giving him the medal of honor would expose the u.s. military presence in laos. since his story became public, his hometown of hamburg, pennsylvania, has erected a memorial. his name is displayed proudly on the town sign. only now, 42 years after his death, will he get the military's highest award for bravery, a tribute many feel he is due. jeanne meserve, cnn, washington.
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