In Vietnam, Medevac pilots flew into places most people were trying to escape. Their job was simple on paper: get the wounded out. In reality, it meant flying low into active combat zones, landing under fire, and risking everything to save soldiers they often had never met.

This video looks at why Medevac pilots had one of the most terrifying jobs in the Vietnam War — from dangerous extractions and jungle landings to the constant pressure of flying missions where seconds meant life or death.

For many Vietnam veterans, the sound of a Medevac helicopter meant hope. For the crews flying them, it meant another mission with no guarantees of coming back.

From a personal standpoint – I spent 21 months as a volunteer flight attendant with the 498th Dust Off helping to retrieve wounded and injured military and civilian people – in addition to captured enemy soldiers – to get them to U.S. Military Hospital hospitals – and flying in and around Agent Orange was something that our crews were all affected by. Due to my time, in mid 1994 I was diagnosed with a  Hypothyroidism condition for which I am still dealing with… But there is always MORE to the story…

Inna-Gadda-Da-Vida: There unto itself is a long story behind this song. First of All – this was never my style of music – not even “growing up” in the late 60’S – but this one single song defined my time In-country. It was released within days of my arrival – and I KNEW from the moment I heard it – EXACTLY what it’s meaning was… In the Garden of Eden – but of course no one believed me. I guess that Brutha Smoove was too stoned along with Foxworthy and the rest of the guys. And Leonard – he was Just swapping beer for ice with the Gooks… and it took nearly 40 years for the truth to come out. And it was recognized as the First heavy metal song.

This Was My War – This Was YOUR War! Many of our brothers and sisters never made it home – but in Spirit. Others made it home in body – but Not Right of Mind. These is part of OUR story.

I’ll See You All in the Garden Someday… ~ Jeffrey Bennett, Editor