Description: This Vietnam war in-country embroidered patch measures approximately 2.8" by 2.8", used condition. Evacuation missions during combat operations in Vietnam forever changed the emotions associated with the term "DUSTOFF". In August 1967, the 159th Medical Detachment was alerted for movement to Vietnam. Six new UH-1H helicopters were flown from the Bell Helicopter plant in Fort Worth, Texas to meet up with the unit and prepare for overseas processing. The main body sailed for Vietnam 3 October 1967 and arrived in Cam Ranh Bay on 25 October 1967. The helicopters were assembled and flown to Cu Chi. The 159th was assigned to the 67th Medical Brigade and was directed to be combat ready within 30 days. By the end of the 30 days, all six aircraft had sustained combat damage. The principal mission of the 159th was to support the 25th Infantry Division and its counterpart, the 25th ARVN Division. In addition, the unit also supported the 1st Infantry Division, Special Forces camps along the Cambodian border, and later, elements of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). On 16 February 1968, the 159th was reassigned to the 68th Medical Group and placed under the operational control of the 45th Medical Company (AA) located in Long Binh. During 1968, the 159th evacuated 20,511 patients. On New Year’s Day, 1969, a 159th aircraft commanded by MAJ Douglas E. Moore flew to a confrontation site on the Cambodian border where three American Prisoners of War were released by the National Libertarian Front. The three were safely evacuated to the hospital complex at Long Binh. The 159th evacuated approximately 12,000 patients during 1969. In the first 3 months of 1970, the 159th evacuated another 4,272 patients. After control of the Cu Chi and Tay Ninh base camps was turned over the South Vietnamese, the 159th joined the 45th at Long Binh on 7 November 1970. Together they were known as ‘Long Binh DUSTOFF’. In early March 1971, the 45th Medical Company stood down and the 283rd Medical Detachment moved to Long Binh from Tuy Hoa. They continued to be known as “Long Binh DUSTOFF” until the 283rd stood down in November 1972. In spring, 1971, the 159th began training the South Vietnamese Air Force to take over medical evacuation responsibilities. Combined crews comprised of an American Aircraft Commander and Crewchief, and a South Vietnamese Pilot and Medic began performing DUSTOFF missions. Gradually, the South Vietnamese Air Force took over complete operation of Long Binh DUSTOFF, allowing the 159th to depart Vietnam for Fort Benning, Georgia, on 30 November 1972. Unfortunately, the 159th redeployment did not occur prior to the loss of CW2 Robert Horst on 7 April 1972. He has the unfortunate distinction of being the last DUSTOFF pilot killed in Vietnam. This served as a grim reminder of the countless DUSTOFF Soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice defending the cause of freedom while saving fallen comrades. During the 159th’s service in Vietnam, the unit earned 13 campaign streamers and 3 Meritorious Unit Commendations, in addition to several Republic of Vietnam decorations. Worldwide combined shipment is welcome to save you money. Please visit my EAZYCOLLECTIBLES Store for more great war items. Froo www.froo.com | Froo Cross Sell, Free Cross Sell, Cross promote, eBay Marketing, eBay listing Apps, eBay Apps, eBay Application
Price: 10.5 USD
Location: Westminster, California
End Time: 2025-02-08T00:02:35.000Z
Shipping Cost: 1 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: 20%
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
