Indy Standard

U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) has expressed his approval for the Senate's passage of a bipartisan bill aimed at collectively awarding a group of Vietnam War veterans, known as "Dustoff Crews," with the Congressional Gold Medal.

In addition to Senator Young, the bill received cosponsorship from a wide array of Senators including John Cornyn (R-Texas), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), and many others. Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05).

This year marks the 51st anniversary of the Paris Peace Accords, which brought an end to U.S. combat operations in the Vietnam War. The term "Dustoff" is used to refer to the radio call sign of helicopter-borne medical evacuation teams that landed in hostile conditions to rescue wounded Americans and South Vietnamese allies. Between 1962 and 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.

The bill has garnered 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.