Show notes
What was it really like flying Dust Off medevac missions in Vietnam?In this powerful oral history, Kerry Cunningham, a DustOff medevac crew chief, shares what he experienced flying wounded soldiers out of combat zones during the Vietnam War, often under fire, often at night, and often with no margin for error.From being shot at during a “possible broken arm” call, to night hoist rescues in triple-canopy jungle, to the emotional toll of carrying the wounded and dying at just 19 years old, Kerry takes us inside the realities of Vietnam medevac missions.🎖️ Curious Humanography is proud to partner with Utah Honor Flight, helping veterans visit the memorials built in their honor.Chapters:03:05 – Drafted at 19 years old06:40 – Boot camp & early training10:15 – Aircraft mechanic school13:40 – Arriving in Vietnam15:30 – Volunteering for DustOff18:45 – What a DustOff crew chief actually does22:30 – First medevac mission27:10 – Night hoist rescues in the jungle32:50 – Being shot at over a “broken arm”37:40 – Losing friends in the air42:15 – Carrying wounded enemy soldiers46:50 – Agent Orange exposure51:30 – The medics who saved lives56:10 – Why Dust Off missions were different01:00:45 – Leaving Vietnam (and going back)01:07:20 – Coming home to protests01:17:50 – Final reflections
