Charles L. Kelly
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Charles L. Kelly was a United States Army helicopter pilot during The Vietnam War. Major Kelly was the Commanding Officer of the 57th Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance) from 11 January 1964 until he was killed in action on 1 July of the same year while trying to evacuate a wounded American advisor along with several ARVN wounded. He is considered the founder of Dustoff.
[edit] 1 July 1964
Kelly was KIA on 1 July 1964 when, after being warned out of a "Hot" LZ, he replied with his famous last words, "When I have your wounded." [1]
[edit] Awards and Decorations
Kelly was posthumosly awarded the US Army's Distinguished Service Cross. He was also awarded South Vietnam's Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and the Military Order Medal of Vietnam, National Order, Fifth Class, South Vietnam's highest award.
[edit] References
Dorland, Peter, Nanney, James (1982). Dust Off: Army Aeromedical Evacuation in Vietnam. Washington, D.C.: Center of Military History - United States Army.
