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Bobby Barrett
Episode 3045 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Bobby Barret, the Vietnam Dustoff pilot who received the Congressional Gold Medal honor. The featured story appeared in the Monroe Journal of Mississippi and was titled: Former Vietnam War Dustoff pilot shares in Congressional Gold Medal honor and was submitted by Ray Van Dusen.
A local hero and Vietnam War veteran, former Army Dustoff pilot Bobby Barrett, was recently recognized with one of the nation’s highest civilian honors — the Congressional Gold Medal. This prestigious award celebrates the bravery and selflessness of Reynolds and his fellow helicopter medevac pilots who risked their lives daily to rescue wounded soldiers from the front lines of battle during the Vietnam War.
Known as “Dustoff pilots,” these courageous aviators flew unarmed helicopters into active combat zones, often under heavy enemy fire, to evacuate the injured and provide urgent medical aid. Reynolds, a native of Monroe, flew hundreds of these daring missions between 1969 and 1971, earning a reputation for valor, calm under pressure, and dedication to his comrades.
The Congressional Gold Medal ceremony, held in Washington, D.C., honored the Army Medical Evacuation Units who served during the Vietnam era. It marks national recognition of their extraordinary sacrifice and humanitarian service. Reynolds expressed gratitude, saying the award represents “the countless lives saved, not just the pilots, but the whole Dustoff team.”
Local veterans’ groups and the Monroe community have rallied to celebrate Barrett’s achievement. His story has reignited conversations around the critical role of medevac pilots in wartime history and the importance of honoring military service.
Barrett’s legacy as a Vietnam Dustoff pilot stands as a powerful reminder of courage, service, and the enduring impact of those who risk everything to save others.
Listen to Episode 3045 and discover more about Vietnam Dustoff pilot Bobby Barrett.