In 1963, the U.S. Army 57th Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance) commander started using the radio call sign "Dustoff" for his medical evacuation chopper.
VIDEO HERE (50 minutes)
In 1963, the U.S. Army 57th Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance) commander started using the radio call sign "Dustoff" for his medical evacuation chopper.
VIDEO HERE (50 minutes)
Unbelievably brave and dedicated aviators. regards, Alemaster
ReplyDelete“Fire call for help” would not be for Dustoffs. It would be for Gunships. Without Gunship protection Dustoffs would not survive in the Area of Opreration.
ReplyDeleteCan't speak for your AO, Sir, but where I was flying "Guns," the 498th Air Ambulance would "give it a go" whether or not they had escort. Lots of my friends and classmates in other "Dustoff" companies and detachments had the same devotion to save lives. I stand by my first comment but don't question what you experienced in your AO. regards, Alemaster
DeleteHighly recommend Dead Men Flying (not to be confused with a different book of the same name about flying jets over North Viet Nam) by MOH winner Patrick Henry Brady who was there at the start of air ambulance. Except don't expect to read a lot about how he got the medal, he isn't that kinda guy.
ReplyDeleteDoc Odein, aka Murph the Surf. No idea if this man is alive or dead but he is not forgotten. Last I saw him he had pulled his six months in the bush and was headed for 1st Med.
ReplyDeleteDedicated
ReplyDeleteUnselfish
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