As part of the Army's reorganization of medevac helicopters into general aviation units, a recent ceremony marked the end of an era...sort of.
When the colors of the 57th Medical Company, "The Originals," were rolled up and put away, the Vietnam veterans weren't the only ones with tears in their eyes. As those who served under the command of rambunctiously committed Army major who'd bucked orders not to fly at night or into hot landing zones to evacuate wounded listened to his son's poignant words as DUSTOFF was retired, they had to be as proud as they were sad. Because it was very clear that the tall-standing young soldiers who'd inherited their legacy would carry it on--no matter what it was called. Things change. Blackhawks have replaced Hueys. Women pilot medevacs. Landing Zones are sandy. But wherever the wounded wait, the legacy of DUSTOFF lives on. Watch this video we shot to see for yourself.
1 comment:
I just returned from my 3rd (their 30th, I believe) Dustoff Association reunion in San Antonio. I think I might have met some veterans of the 57th (and the 15th, the 45th, the 283rd, etc.), but mostly I was there to rejoin my company - the 498th Med Co (AA).
There were detachments that preceded us in Vietnam, but the 498th was the first AA company in-country. It also served in the current gulf war, and it, too, was deactivated in the past year.
"Col Joe" Madrano, our first commander, was there for the ceremony, and the reunion.
As for the reorganization of medevac helicopters into general aviation units, be certain that when our wounded fall, they will forever call for DUSTOFF.
Van Doren
Dustoff medic
Vietnam, 65-66
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