Central Louisiana News

The U.S. Senate has passed a bill sponsored by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) to collectively award the Congressional Gold Medal to a group of Vietnam War veterans known as "Dustoff Crews". The bill received overwhelming bipartisan support.

"The Dustoff Crews during the Vietnam War saved thousands of lives by risking their own," said Dr. Cassidy. "The Senate voted overwhelmingly to honor them for their courage and service. It’s well deserved."

Senator Cornyn added, "The U.S. Army Dustoff Crews who served during the Vietnam War risked their lives to rescue countless soldiers, sailors, and airmen who may have otherwise died on the battlefield. It’s not often that 71 Senators agree, and I can think of few reasons more deserving of broad bipartisan support than recognizing these American heroes for their tremendous courage."

"During the Vietnam War, members of Dustoff Crews risked their own lives to rescue and provide critical care to wounded American soldiers," said Senator Warren. "This bill will recognize the heroic and life-saving actions of these service members by awarding them with the Congressional Gold Medal."

Senators Cassidy, Cornyn, and Warren were joined in cosponsoring the bill by numerous other senators from both sides of the aisle. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA-06) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA-05).

This year marks the 51st anniversary of the Paris Peace Accords, which ended U.S. combat operations in the Vietnam War. The term “Dustoff” refers to the radio call sign used by helicopter-borne medical evacuation teams that landed in hostile conditions to save wounded Americans and South Vietnamese allies. Between 1962 through 1973, Dustoff crews were responsible for transporting 17,700 United States casualties. During this period, soldiers assigned to Dustoff crews had a one-in-three chance of being wounded or killed.

The bill is supported by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, AMVETS, Association of the United States Army, Army Aviation Association of America, DUSTOFF Association, and Vietnam Dustoff Association.