Dustoff40.Com

Author and former Dustoff helicopter pilot, Steve Vermillion, writes from his personal experience the
real history of the men who crewed on those unarmed helicopters that made an art out of
medical evacuations in combat.  “Dustoff” which was the official radio call sign originated in Vietnam
for those Army helicopters that picked up the wounded in the combat zone.  Most often they came
under fire and without guns - could not return any fire.  Their mission was clear—go in and get
the wounded and be damned about everything else.  When you read their stories you can see why
 there are several Dustoff pilots who have been awarded the Medal of Honor.  If the truth be known,
there could have been dozens more who certainly earned that honor and were never recognized.  

Vermillion tells his story, and that of his unit, with lots of background history on how the unit
formed and a lot of insider information.  This whole book is a remarkable tale of heroes,
death, fellowship and courage.  

I flew in Nam as a crew-chief door-gunner on a Huey – and we had a pair of M-60 machine guns
blasting away from the ship as we landed in those hot LZs.  The Dustoff crews had a rotary wing
and a prayer!  Nothing but God and luck prevented most all of them from being killed or wounded. 
My hat has always been off to them—they are all my heroes!  

The author himself is a decorated pilot with a Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross and a
load of other awards.  This book is all about those fearless men that flew in that elite company
of aviators.  I cannot more strongly encourage you to read this history and discover how real men
in the worse of times showed so much class and courage.  The book is well written and researched
and is suitable for mature readers.     "Reviewer: Bill McDonald – President of the MWSA

____________________________

"Steve Vermillion has brought the critical element of realism to the legacy of DUSTOFF.  He was
there, flying the missions, making it happen, day after day.  There is no substitute for this and it is
woven deeply into the fabric of his work.  This is much more than a history of DUSTOFF.  The
book belongs in the library of anyone who wants to know what DUSTOFF was all about.  Absolutely
first rate!" John Cook, Author of Rescue Under Fire

____________________________

Steve Vermillion's DUSTOFF opens a window on the remarkable role combat medical evacuation
played in Vietnam.  For both civilians and military readers, this is a 'must read' for those who want
up-close and personal accounts of one man's ordeal with helicopter rescue under fire. This book is
more than a history; it's an experience.  Saving lives was the name of the game and DUSTOFF
shows how it was done." Larry R. Kipp  Dustoff Medic 

____________________________

"Steve Vermillion paints a vivid picture of what 'guts and glory' is all about.  For civilians
such as ourselves, DUSTOFF provides an honest and thorough look at the danger encountered
during each mission.  This compelling book captures your attention from the first page, and l
eaves you with a new appreciation for the heroes of the DUSTOFF crews."
Lori, Malissa, Rebecca and Shannon,  "The Divine Ya's"

____________________________

"Steve Vermillion, the Aircraft Commander!  The Pilot, his callsign DUSTOFF 40!  The Author of this book!
This is a testimony to those that will find themselves drawn to a dimension that is stronger than just curiosity.
The task was not a job to the DUSTOFF crews but one of a heart felt, self-motivated mission of mercy mixed
with helplessness and silent prayer.  They were young, sure of themselves--a team that had no greater love
than to lay down their own life for a friend.  Their motto was, "So Others May Live."  This book, DUSTOFF,
captures all of those emotions!”   Del (Willie) Williams  Dustoff Crewchief 

____________________________

"I just read the book for the second time in less than a week--damn!!!!!"Bruce McCartney 
Dustoff Medic "What a great job!  This book sure came together nicely--you definitely have the 'knack'-
-mission descriptions are right on target--even the sounds and smells come through.  Major Kelly would
have loved to read this story about one of his "boys' who kept the faith down the road." Si Simmons, LTC (Ret)  Dustoff 86 (One of the Originals) 
____________________________


"I just could not put your book down.  What a great book and what detail you have put
 into each of the mission descriptions." Al Siebeck  Navy Commander, Retired 

____________________________

"I enjoyed your book tremendously!  It was most difficult to put it down and your facts were well 
presented. "Dustoff" shows the dedicated spirit that you and your crew displayed in saving lives and brings to
life the dangers and risks of every mission. I bet that those who returned because of your efforts have make
great contributions in our society or they would have Fathered individual who may later be of great service
 to our nation. One can put a price on your collective crew's effort."  Bob Vermillion 

 ____________________________

Hi Four Zero...........read the book. OUTSTANDING!   CONGRATS! It is an excellent read.  Have showed
to people at work, will recommend it to all interested in RVN related stuff.  Really jogged my
memory. Funny, I cannot remember what I gave or received last Christmas but remembered Dustoff
freq, 20 ducks, queen tonic etc. Also reminded me of selected missions, people, leadership
styles, etc...........Steve, some people have to work at being a leader....and some never will be one.
But I believe some people have it naturally. I think those of us who served with you in 1969 saw that
in you. After chatting with you in Atlanta, and reading your book I can see that with what came
naturally to you and years of experience and preparation you ARE ONE FINE LEADER!!!  The Guys in
 the Back appreciate your kind words. Maybe we'll suck in our guts and stand a little taller because
 of them..thank you. Bill StalfortSFC (Ret) 

____________________________

DUSTOFF--No Compromise! No Rationalization! No Hesitation! Fly the Mission Many books have
been written and more will be written about America's brief holiday in Southeast Asia. Close
to impossible to capture the complete experience of those that traveled to that far away place. The
 most skillful authors have trouble putting the emotions, smells, sound, etc. that where part of the
total experience. Steve does not attempt to write a novel that would have the reader smelling the
 jungle or hearing the screams of the wounded. What Steve does do is allow the reader to get a
glimpse into the life of a Dustoff pilot.  Missions that went well! Missions from hell! Loyalty of c
omrades! The inability of a system to adapt! Relive those moments in history with Steve with
this accurate portrayal of a DustOff pilot. Share with the author the tension of the time when a brave
 few did what others still talk about in a system that worked against them. This is not a book
about Dustoff 40, this is a book about all of those that took up the challenge "So That Others May
Live" and a must read for insight into their lives. Ty ChamberlainDustoff 25

____________________________