15th Medical Bn, 1st Air Cav

• Origins: The 15th Medical Battalion was originally constituted on 23 March 1925 in the Regular Army as "Company A, 15th Medical Regiment," and later reorganized as the 15th Medical Battalion, serving as the primary medical support for the 1st Cavalry Division. • Vietnam War Service: The 15th Medical Battalion deployed to Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) in 1965, pioneering helicopter medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) operations in combat. • "Dustoff" Callsign: During Vietnam, the battalion’s MEDEVAC helicopters famously used the "Dustoff" callsign, which became synonymous with courageous, rapid casualty evacuation under fire. • High Risk Missions: 15th Med Bn MEDEVAC crews flew into intense enemy fire to rescue wounded soldiers, often earning high praise and numerous decorations for bravery, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and Silver Star. • Major Battles: The unit played key roles in the Battle of Ia Drang (1965), the first major engagement between U.S. forces and North Vietnamese Army, saving countless lives under fire. • Innovations in Care: The battalion was instrumental in advancing battlefield medicine, including rapid evacuation, triage, and treatment techniques that became standards in modern combat care. • Casualties and Sacrifice: 15th Med Bn suffered casualties themselves, with MEDEVAC crews facing some of the war’s highest risks—many were wounded or killed in action while rescuing others. • Unit Decorations: The 15th Medical Battalion was awarded several unit citations, including the Presidential Unit Citation (Army) and the Valorous Unit Award for extraordinary heroism in action. • Veteran Community: Veterans of the 15th Med Bn maintain a strong bond, with reunions and an active association (www.15thmedbnassociation.org) dedicated to preserving the battalion’s history and honoring its members. • Legacy: The battalion’s legacy of courage and innovation continues within the modern 15th Brigade Support Battalion, which still supports the 1st Cavalry Division today, upholding the proud traditions set in Vietnam.