# What This Bill Does

This bill authorizes Congress to award a single gold medal to honor the Dust Off helicopter crews who served during the Vietnam War. Dust Off crews were Army helicopter pilots, medics, and crew chiefs who flew medical evacuation missions—essentially acting as flying ambulances to rescue wounded soldiers from battlefields and transport them to hospitals. The medal recognizes their extraordinary heroism and the countless lives they saved.

The Dust Off crews operated from 1962 to 1973 and evacuated nearly 900,000 wounded American, South Vietnamese, and allied soldiers during the war. These crews were incredibly dangerous jobs—members had a one-in-three chance of being wounded or killed. They flew in terrible conditions, often at night and in bad weather, while being shot at by enemy forces. Their aircraft loss rate was more than three times higher than other combat helicopter missions. The bill highlights specific examples of their bravery, including Major Charles L. Kelly, who died in 1964 after famously saying "When I have your wounded" when warned to stay away from a dangerous landing zone.

Once Congress awards the gold medal, it will be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research. The bill also allows the Treasury Department to create and sell bronze copies of the medal to the public. This is purely a symbolic honor—it doesn't provide any direct financial benefits or change any laws. Its purpose is to officially recognize and remember the service and sacrifice of these Vietnam War veterans, ensuring their contributions to saving lives are part of American history.

Dust Off Crews of the Vietnam War Congressional Gold Medal Act

Kilmer, Derek

Dust Off Crews of the Vietnam War Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make appropriate arrangements for the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal in honor of the Dust Off crews (helicopter air ambulance crews) of the Vietnam War in recognition of their heroic military service.