Puyallup Councilman Steve Vermillion Inducted into DUSTOFF Hall of Fame

All military pilots and soldiers face life-and-death situations every day with bravery, but perhaps those who require the most courage are the ones who recover the wounded.

During the Vietnam War, 2,800 pilots, crew chief and medics volunteered to join DUSTOFF and fly unarmed medical helicopters into battle zones to rescue wounded soldiers and civilians.

In all, DUSTOFF crews experienced greater than 33 percent casualties and a greater loss in airframes. But, through their willingness to fly on a 24/7 basis, day and night, in all weather conditions and against a formidable enemy force, they evacuated nearly 1 million wounded from the battle field. 

Puyallup City Councilman Steve Vermillion, a Master Army Aviator and Air Calvary Commander, was inducted into the DUSTOFF Hall of Fame on April 13, 2013, which now comprises of 33 members. His bronze plaque has been added to the Hall of Fame wall in the Memorial Gardens of the AMEDD Museum, Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

Vermillion evacuated over 2200 patients throughout the Vietnam War.

"Given the company that I share this honor with, four Medal of Honor recipients and numerous highly decorated individuals, this is a great honor and recognition for me," said Vermillion.

His plaque reads:

LTC Steven D. Vermillion completed a highly successful 26 year career as a Master Army Aviator, Armor/Air Cavalry Commander, and senior staff officer.  In Vietnam, Steve flew 1450 combat missions and evacuated over 2200 patients.  He was a heroic and tenacious combat pilot flying with fearlessness but without reckless abandon.  Each mission tested his decision making skills along with his tolerance for overwhelming fear. He flew missions regardless of the weather and enemy situation thereby earning the respect of his enlisted crewmembers, fellow pilots and ground commanders.  A 1969 issue of Stars and Stripes contained a quote from his fellow pilots stating, Steve was “one of the best pilots in Vietnam.”  Steve dual tracked aviation and armor assignments, commanding for 87 months and is the only known Army Aviator to have served as a Motorized Combat Infantry Brigade S3 and Executive Officer.  Steve’s awards include the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit,  Distinguished Flying Cross, and Air Medal (30 OLC w/V Device).  Steve Vermillion was inducted into the DUSTOFF Hall of Fame on 13 April 2013.