Manchin, Cornyn Introduce Bill Honoring Elite Group of Vietnam Veterans
Bill awards the Congressional Gold Medal to the ‘Dust Off’ crews of the Vietnam War
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) introduced legislation to award an elite group of Vietnam veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal. The ‘Dust Off’ crews, as they were known by their radio call sign, flew unarmed air ambulances into hostile areas to rescue the wounded, providing critical medical treatment as they evacuated troops out of harm’s way to waiting medical facilities during the Vietnam War. Sens. Cornyn and Manchin’s bill would award members of the Dust Off crews with the Congressional Gold Medal.
“These soldiers earned a national reputation for their service in what was considered to be one of the most dangerous jobs in one of the world’s deadliest conflicts in the modern era,” said Sen. Cornyn. “The Dust Off crews are just one extraordinary example of bravery exhibited by Texas veterans, and these courageous soldiers deserve to be honored with the Congressional Gold Medal.” “The ‘Dust Off’ crews of the Vietnam War truly embody some of the most talented and heroic service members in American history,” Sen. Manchin said. “These warriors displayed the utmost courage and resilience while under fire by flying to the treacherous frontlines to get wounded soldiers out of harm’s way. Because of their outstanding bravery, hundreds of thousands of lives were saved. It is our privilege and duty to publicly thank them for their heroic military service by awarding them with the Congressional Gold Medal.”
This bill is supported by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, AMVETS, the Association of the United States Army, the Army Aviation Association of America, the DUSTOFF Association, and the Vietnam Dustoff Association.
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