In one year in Vietnam CW2 Don Sewell flew over 1,000 combat hours, approximately 1800 combat missions, and helped rescue some 4,000 patients. In the process he was awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross twice, 37 Air Medals, the Bronze Star, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He was instrumental in the rescue of more than 70 wounded in the epic battle of Ngok Tavak, which allowed the evacuation of the outpost prior to being overrun by the communists, saving the lives of 113 survivors. As a Maryland helicopter policeman, he made international news when he prevented a stolen army helicopter from being flown into the White House by placing his chopper between the deranged pilot and the White House, for which he was honored by the President of the United States, Richard Nixon, and the Governor of Maryland, Marvin Mandel. Don Sewell was inducted into the DUSTOFF Hall of Fame on 5 April 2020.
