OKMHF Class of 2026

MEDAL OF HONOR

Sergeant Mad Bear,  Pawnee Scout (Pawnee)

Certificate Statement Forthcoming

DOLLAR SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT

BrigGen Ben Robinson, U.S. Air Force (Edmond)

Certificate Statement Forthcoming

HONORED GROUP

Oklahoma Vietnam Dustoff Crew Members

Since authorizing the first Congressional Gold Medal for General George Washington in 1776, the United States Congress has bestowed this extraordinary honor only about 184 times. The Congressional Gold Medal is among the nation's highest civilian distinctions and represents Congress's greatest expression of national appreciation.

On September 26, 2024, President Joe Biden signed into law legislation awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the United States Army DUSTOFF helicopter crews who served during the Vietnam War. The award recognizes the extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and lifesaving service of approximately 3,000 pilots, medics, crew chiefs, and support personnel who flew medical evacuation missions from 1962 to 1973.

During the war, Army DUSTOFF crews evacuated an estimated 900,000 wounded service members from battlefields to field hospitals, often under direct enemy fire. The name “DUSTOFF,” originally a radio call sign, became synonymous with selfless service and was inspired by the clouds of dust and debris created by helicopter rotor blades during hazardous battlefield landings.

These young soldiers, many barely out of their teens, routinely flew unarmed helicopters into active combat zones with a singular mission: save lives. They operated without armor protection, placing themselves at extraordinary risk to rescue the wounded. For those aboard a medical evacuation helicopter in Vietnam, danger remained ever-present, but the alternative was often far worse.

Among the most distinguished units was the 54th Medical Detachment, which completed more than 8,600 missions in a ten-month period, evacuated over 21,000 casualties, and earned 78 valor awards. One of its members, Major Patrick Henry Brady, received the Medal of Honor after rescuing 51 wounded soldiers in a single day despite multiple aircraft being damaged or destroyed.

The Congressional Gold Medal bestowed upon the DUSTOFF crews stands as a permanent tribute to their extraordinary valor, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the creed that no wounded soldier would ever be left behind.

“When I have your wounded.” — The enduring promise of Army DUSTOFF.

INDIVIDUAL HONOREES

Captain Eugene P. Boyt , U.S. Army (Chickasha)

Certificate Statement Forthcoming

First Lieutenant Daniel W. Griswold , U.S. Army (Agra)

Certificate Statement Forthcoming

Colonel Charles C. Kegelman , U.S. Army Air Corps (El Reno)

Certificate Statement Forthcoming

Sergeant First Class  Richard D. Lake , U.S. Army (Lawton)

Certificate Statement Forthcoming

Captain Michael P. Lapolla, U.S. Army (Tulsa)

Certificate Statement Forthcoming

Major General Albert L. Logan , U.S. Air Force (Tishomingo)

Certificate Statement Forthcoming

Master Sergeant  Jack A. Rogers, U.S. Army (Enid)

Certificate Statement Forthcoming

Lieutenant Colonel Russel O. Tate, U.S. Marine Corps and Army (Oklahoma City)

Certificate Statement Forthcoming

Second Lieutenant George S. Weaber, U.S. Marine Corps (Dacoma/Enid)

Certificate Statement Forthcoming

Captain Ivan J. Weaber, U.S. Army (Dacoma/Enid)

Certificate Statement Forthcoming