Austin News

On May 10, 2024, U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) announced that their legislation, cosponsored by 69 of their Senate colleagues, had passed the Senate. The bill aims to award a group of Vietnam War veterans known as “Dustoff Crews” with the Congressional Gold Medal.

Sen. Cornyn commented on the achievement, saying, “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.”

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

A long list of senators from both sides of the aisle cosponsored this legislation. Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (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 several veteran organizations including Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, AMVETS, Association of the United States Army, Army Aviation Association of America, DUSTOFF Association, and Vietnam Dustoff Association.