first. >> if it was not for him i would not be alive today. >> reporter: but etchberger didn't survive, as the chopper pulled away, gunfire from it ground. >> etch had been sitting on the jump seat right above my head, and that bullet went right through him, killed him instantly. i live with it every day. live with it every day. it haunts me. >> reporter: etchberger was posthumously, secretly, awarded the air force cross for his heroism, but 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 erected a memorial. his name displayed proudly on the town's sign, but 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. by the way, you can watch that medal of honor ceremony live. it will be happening at the