Author: Vince Cedola, LTC, MSC Retired
DUSTOFF 22 – 82nd MDHA – 1964-54
DUSTOFF 506 – 571st MDHA 1967-68
A Dustoff Team is comprised of Pilots, Medics, Crew Chiefs, Mechanics, Supply, Radio, and Admin Techs, all volunteers, in support of the Medical Evacuation Mission.
Begin with one DUSTOFF helicopter crew of two pilots, one crew chief, one medic and often, one patient protector.
They run out to their O.D. colored helicopter that has large white, red-cross targets painted on the nose and both sides.
They crank up and race out to the battlefield.
Often under a hail of enemy bullets, they land or hover openly in the trees to rescue their precious cargo—the wounded soldier.
They take-off, often still under enemy fire, and provide care and treatment to the wounded, while en-route to the medical facility.
They deliver the soldier into the safe hands of the hospital and fly back to home base.
Then— they clean up their aircraft and prepare to do the same thing, again…and again…and again…and again, every day and every night, until their tour of duty is over.
“TO SAVE A LIFE”
