The nation is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, but General Patrick Brady says that the real story of the conflict is not being told. In his new book, "Dead Men Flying: Victory in Viet Nam - The Legend of Dust Off, America's Battlefield Angels" (Release date: October 9, 2012), General Brady reveals that America achieved a victory unparalleled in the history of warfare through its humanitarian efforts.
General Brady, a recipient of the Medal of Honor who is considered by some pundits to be America's most decorated living veteran, writes that humanitarianism was the great untold story of the Vietnam War. American soldiers risked their lives not just for each other but for the Vietnamese people, sometimes even enemy soldiers.
At the heart of this effort was "Dust Off," the helicopter rescue program that was the most dangerous of all aviation operations. General Brady headed the 54th Medical Detachment, which rescued thousands of both enemy and friendly personnel while accumulating 26 Purple Hearts.
The selfless bravery of helicopter rescue pilots has often been overlooked in histories of the Vietnam War that present the conflict as an endless series of carnage. However, General Brady exposes the perseverance of compassion, courage, and faith even in the midst of war.
He also shows how air ambulance operations were critical to the morale of American soldiers in Vietnam and how he had to fight to maintain the autonomy of "Dust Off" as a separate unit. Even today, the controversy continues as bureaucrats attempt to remove air medical rescue's ability to operate as distinct units. The story of "Dust Off" is more relevant than ever.
"Dead Men Flying" is a new perspective on the Vietnam War, an insightful study of airborne military operations, and a tale of courage and sacrifice that no American can afford to ignore.
Major General Pat Brady served over 34 years in the Army in duty stations across the world: In Berlin during the building of the Wall; as commander of the DMZ in Korea; in the Dominican Republic; in the Pentagon as chief spokesman for the Army and for 2 years in Vietnam. In two tours in Vietnam he rescued over 5000 wounded and flew over 2500 combat missions. He is identified in the Encyclopedia of the Vietnam War as the top helicopter pilot in that war and is one of two Vietnam soldiers to earn both the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross, our nation's second highest award.
His awards include : Two Distinguished Service Medals; the Defense Superior Service Medal: the Legion of Merit; six Distinguished Flying Crosses; two Bronze Stars, one for valor; the Purple Heart and 53 Air Medals, one for valor. He is a member of both the Army Aviation and Dust Off Halls of Fame. Brady is a former president of the Medal of Honor Society and a past Commissioner of the Battle Monuments Commission during the construction of the WWII memorial. General Brady has a bachelor's degree in psychology from Seattle University and an MBA from Notre Dame University.
General Brady, a recipient of the Medal of Honor who is considered by some pundits to be America's most decorated living veteran, writes that humanitarianism was the great untold story of the Vietnam War. American soldiers risked their lives not just for each other but for the Vietnamese people, sometimes even enemy soldiers.
At the heart of this effort was "Dust Off," the helicopter rescue program that was the most dangerous of all aviation operations. General Brady headed the 54th Medical Detachment, which rescued thousands of both enemy and friendly personnel while accumulating 26 Purple Hearts.
The selfless bravery of helicopter rescue pilots has often been overlooked in histories of the Vietnam War that present the conflict as an endless series of carnage. However, General Brady exposes the perseverance of compassion, courage, and faith even in the midst of war.
He also shows how air ambulance operations were critical to the morale of American soldiers in Vietnam and how he had to fight to maintain the autonomy of "Dust Off" as a separate unit. Even today, the controversy continues as bureaucrats attempt to remove air medical rescue's ability to operate as distinct units. The story of "Dust Off" is more relevant than ever.
"Dead Men Flying" is a new perspective on the Vietnam War, an insightful study of airborne military operations, and a tale of courage and sacrifice that no American can afford to ignore.
Major General Pat Brady served over 34 years in the Army in duty stations across the world: In Berlin during the building of the Wall; as commander of the DMZ in Korea; in the Dominican Republic; in the Pentagon as chief spokesman for the Army and for 2 years in Vietnam. In two tours in Vietnam he rescued over 5000 wounded and flew over 2500 combat missions. He is identified in the Encyclopedia of the Vietnam War as the top helicopter pilot in that war and is one of two Vietnam soldiers to earn both the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross, our nation's second highest award.
His awards include : Two Distinguished Service Medals; the Defense Superior Service Medal: the Legion of Merit; six Distinguished Flying Crosses; two Bronze Stars, one for valor; the Purple Heart and 53 Air Medals, one for valor. He is a member of both the Army Aviation and Dust Off Halls of Fame. Brady is a former president of the Medal of Honor Society and a past Commissioner of the Battle Monuments Commission during the construction of the WWII memorial. General Brady has a bachelor's degree in psychology from Seattle University and an MBA from Notre Dame University.
