Date of Award: October 9, 1969
Conflict: Vietnam War
Branch: U.S. Army

Maj. Patrick Brady was the first U.S. Army DUSTOFF pilot to be honored with the Congressional Medal of Honor. DUSTOFF was a unit of helicopter ambulances used in wartime casualty evacuation; the name is synonymous with the rapid evacuation of casualties from the battlefield under all battle and adverse weather conditions. It was extremely dangerous to be a member of the special unit, but they have saved over 100,000 lives.

Brady served with the Medical Service Corps, 54th Medical Detachment, 67th Medical Group, 44th Medical Brigade in 1967 in Vietnam. On January 6, 1968, during his second tour of duty, Brady responded to a medevac request near Chu Lai, Republic of Vietnam, and repeatedly faced enemy fire to evacuate wounded. After four flights and three battle-damaged helicopters, he evacuated 51 seriously injured soldiers.

Citation: “Throughout that day Maj. Brady utilized 3 helicopters to evacuate a total of 51 seriously wounded men, many of whom would have perished without prompt medical treatment. Maj. Brady's bravery was in the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.”