Rep. Earl Pomeroy says legislation signed by President Bush is a step toward recognition for a military hero who died in Laos some 40 years ago.

Pomeroy says language in the defense bill waives the legal deadline for awarding a Medal of Honor to Chief Master Sgt. Richard Etchberger.

Pomeroy says Etchberger was stationed at a secret radar base in Laos that was stormed by North Vietnamese commandoes in 1968. He says Etchberger saved the lives of two other men and was fatally shot in a rescue helicopter.

Pomeroy says the bill clears the way for a Medal of Honor nomination to be sent to the president. He says Etchberger was based in Bismarck during the Vietnam War. He was a Pennsylvania native.

Pomeroy says Etchberger's nomination was denied by President Lyndon Johnson for fear it would bring attention to the secret radar station.

- Associated Press