57th Medical Company (Air Ambulance)

• Vietnam War Origins: The 57th Medical Company (Air Ambulance), known as the "Original Dustoff," was the first dedicated helicopter ambulance unit in Vietnam, deploying in April 1962. • Call Sign "Dustoff": The iconic medevac radio call sign "Dustoff" originated with the 57th Medical Detachment, which later became the 57th Medical Company. The term is now synonymous with helicopter medevac missions. • Major Charles L. Kelly: The unit's legendary commander, Major Charles L. Kelly, became a symbol of medevac heroism. He was killed in action in 1964 after insisting on flying under fire, famously declaring, "When I have your wounded." • Saving Thousands: During the Vietnam War, the 57th evacuated more than 100,000 casualties, often under intense enemy fire, saving countless lives and setting the standard for modern aeromedical evacuation. • Innovations in Medevac: The unit pioneered low-level flying techniques, rapid medical response, and direct battlefield pickups, revolutionizing how casualties were evacuated and treated. • Multiple Theater Deployments: After Vietnam, the 57th Medical Company continued to serve in various operations, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. • Unit Decorations: The 57th has received numerous awards, including the Valorous Unit Award and multiple Meritorious Unit Commendations for its outstanding performance and bravery. • Women in Medevac: The 57th was among the first units to integrate female pilots and crew members, breaking barriers in military aviation and medevac operations. • H-13 Sioux to UH-60 Black Hawk: The unit has operated several iconic helicopters, starting with the H-13 Sioux and UH-1 "Huey" and later transitioning to the modern UH-60 Black Hawk. • Enduring Legacy: The 57th Medical Company’s legacy is celebrated annually on "Dustoff Day," and its history is taught in military medevac training, honoring its pivotal role in saving lives and advancing military medicine.