Utah Valley Times

The U.S. Senate has passed bipartisan legislation, cosponsored by Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT), to award the Congressional Gold Medal to a group of Vietnam War veterans known as "Dustoff Crews". The bill was spearheaded by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and gained support from 68 other Senate colleagues. Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) introduced companion legislation in the House.

The term "Dustoff" is a reference to the radio call sign used by helicopter-borne medical evacuation teams during the Vietnam War. These teams braved hostile conditions to rescue wounded Americans and South Vietnamese allies. From 1962 through 1973, Dustoff crews were responsible for transporting 17,700 United States casualties. During this period, soldiers assigned to Dustoff crews had a one-in-three chance of being wounded or killed.

This year marks the 51st anniversary of the Paris Peace Accords, which ended U.S. combat operations in the Vietnam War. The proposed legislation has received support from several organizations including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, AMVETS, Association of the United States Army, Army Aviation Association of America, DUSTOFF Association, and Vietnam Dustoff Association.