The heroism of Vietnam War helicopter pilots rarely receives the spotlight it deserves, but Colonel Douglas Moore's story stands as a testament to extraordinary courage under fire. With over 1,874 combat missions flown and 2,782 wounded soldiers evacuated during his two tours in Vietnam, Moore's experiences reveal the life-and-death stakes faced by Dustoff pilots daily.

Moore's journey began when he transitioned from fixed-wing aircraft to helicopters as the Vietnam conflict escalated in 1964. As a Medical Service Corps officer, his sole mission became rescuing wounded soldiers from active combat zones—a dangerous task that routinely placed him in the crosshairs of enemy fire. The term "Dustoff" itself became their permanent call sign, ensuring wounded soldiers could always reach medical evacuation regardless of changing military call signs and frequencies.

The podcast captures several breathtaking moments from Moore's career, including the mission that earned him the Distinguished Service Cross. Despite taking heavy enemy fire that sent a bullet through his thumb and another striking his flight helmet between his eyes, Moore maintained enough control of his damaged helicopter for his co-pilot to safely evacuate them and their wounded passengers. Perhaps most remarkable was his special mission to retrieve three American POWs from North Vietnamese forces near the Cambodian border - an operation that remained classified for years.

Moore's reflections offer profound insights into military service: "If there was any such thing as having a good job in combat, I had one." His impact extends far beyond the individuals he rescued, creating generational ripples as those saved went on to build families and futures. For listeners interested in military history, combat medicine, or stories of exceptional courage, Colonel Moore's firsthand account provides a rare glimpse into one of warfare's most dangerous yet life-affirming roles.

Discover the full story in Colonel Moore's memoir "A Bullet Through the Helmet: A Vietnam Dustoff Pilot's Memoir," with proceeds benefiting the Huey Museum in Peru, Indiana - preserving the legacy of these remarkable aircraft and the brave pilots who flew them.