57th Medical Detachment

• Vietnam War Service: The 57th Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance), known as the “Original Dustoff,” was the first unit to provide dedicated helicopter ambulance (medevac) service during the Vietnam War, arriving in April 1962. • “Dustoff” Callsign: The 57th gave birth to the iconic callsign “Dustoff,” which became synonymous with medevac missions across all U.S. Army helicopter medical evacuation units. • Heroic Leadership: Major Charles L. Kelly, commander in 1964, became famous for his courage and his last words “When I have your wounded,” spoken just before being killed by enemy fire while landing under fire to rescue wounded soldiers. • First Combat Medevac: The unit performed the first ever U.S. Army medical helicopter evacuation under combat conditions in Vietnam, setting the standard for rapid battlefield medical response. • High Risk Missions: Crews of the 57th frequently flew into “hot” landing zones, often unarmed or lightly armed, risking their lives to retrieve wounded soldiers under direct enemy fire. • Massive Impact: During its Vietnam tour, the 57th Medical Detachment evacuated tens of thousands of wounded soldiers and civilians, saving countless lives and reducing battlefield mortality rates. • Innovative Tactics: The 57th pioneered new medevac tactics, such as the use of low-level flying, rapid loading procedures, and night operations, which influenced future military medical evacuation doctrine. • Decorations: Members of the 57th received numerous awards for valor, including Distinguished Flying Crosses, Silver Stars, and the Air Medal, reflecting their extraordinary bravery and dedication. • Legacy of the Huey: The unit’s use of the UH-1 “Huey” helicopter became an iconic image of the Vietnam War and medical rescue, cementing its place in military and popular history. • Continuing Tradition: The “Dustoff” legacy started by the 57th continues in today’s Army medevac units, with the name and ethos still honored by modern military medical evacuation teams worldwide.