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McMorris Rodgers, Kilmer Legislation Honoring Vietnam Veterans Passes House, Heads to President’s Desk

Sep 17, 2024
Press
Veterans

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) and Congressman Derek Kilmer’s (WA-06) bipartisan Dustoff Crews of the Vietnam War Congressional Gold Medal Act (S. 2825). This legislation would award Dustoff crews of the Vietnam War – helicopter air ambulance pilots, crew chiefs, and medics – for performing aeromedical evacuation of more than 900,000 U.S., Vietnamese, and Allied forces from May 1962 to March 1973.

“During the Vietnam War, millions of Americans left home to fight in muddy trenches and jungles halfway around the world. Many made the ultimate sacrifice. Others returned home just to be ostracized and ridiculed. Some were never recognized for their service at all,” said Rep. Rodgers. “Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened to the Dustoff crewmembers who risked their lives to save nearly one million others. They were some of the very best, and their heroism deserves to be recognized, which we finally did today by sending this legislation to President Biden’s desk to become law.”

Dustoff crews in Vietnam often faced foul weather, mountainous terrain, and intense enemy fire – with crewmembers facing a one-in-three chance of being wounded or killed. One Dustoff unit, the 54th Medical Detachment, typified the heroism of Dustoff crews. Over ten months, 40 soldiers equipped with only three helicopters evacuated 21,435 patients on 8,644 missions over 4,832 hours, earning 78 valor awards.

“Years after the end of the Vietnam War, too many Vietnam veterans have not been sufficiently recognized for their service and sacrifice. That remains true for the members of the Dustoff crews – who valiantly rescued so many,” said Kilmer. “Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Dustoff crews of the Vietnam War is an important step toward recognizing the pivotal role that these service members played in saving lives and serving their country proudly. I’ll keep pushing to ensure we demonstrate our appreciation to our veterans on behalf of a grateful nation.”

Since the American Revolution, Congress has commissioned gold medals as its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. The Dustoff Crews of the Vietnam War Congressional Gold Medal Act would collectively award a single Congressional Gold Medal to Dustoff crewmembers.

The Dustoff Crews of the Vietnam War Congressional Gold Medal Act has been passed by both the House and Senate. It will now go to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.

CLICK HERE for the full bill text.

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