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DUSTOFF Hall of FAME

24 February 2002

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COL JOHN TEMPERILLI

SAVIOR OF DUSTOFF

In February 1962, CPT John Temperilli,
Commander, 57th Medical Detachment,
spearheaded events that formed DUSTOFF.
Reassigned to Vietnam, they arrived, bringing
the first Hueys in country. He fought for things
taken for granted today, like refueling and
weather support, maps, and repair parts. The
first mission was flown 12 May 1962, when
they evacuated a U.S. advisor. Their single
greatest threat was their own commanders,
several of whom felt that combat and combat
support were higher priority missions than
DUSTOFF. He constantly fought the issue of
“transportation versus evacuation.” With a
shortage of Hueys their solution was to
remove the red crosses, place the aircraft in
general aviation units, and task them to fly
evacuation missions as needed. He halted this
misguided initiative, citing the inherent lack of
responsiveness and the result of needless loss
of lives. He completed his tour and returned to
a succession of significant Army assignments.
His leadership and professionalism were
exceeded only by his dedication to what he
had begun with the 57th. John Temperilli was
inducted into the DUSTOFF Hall of Fame on 24
February 2002.

ACCEPTANCE

John is very honored to be inducted into the Dustoff Hall of Fame, and has asked me to read the words that convey his appreciation to all the men who helped set up that 57th Medical Detachment in Vietnam those many years ago. So, at this time, I would like to read you John’s words:

My sincere thanks to the Dustoff Association for this honor. My thanks mainly to all the members of the 57th Medical Detachment, Ft. Meade, Maryland, who were with me through the deployment and installation of the Unit in Viet Nam in 1962.

To my flying partner Bob McWilliams, who is here tonight; Tom Jackson, who has been a close friend all these years, and Ernie Collins who we have not been able to locate. To those whose names are on the Memorial Board: Bill Ballinger, who was killed during his second tour “in country”, Bill Hawkins, and Don Naylor ….. the man who accompanied the 5 Hueys aboard a Navy Flattop through the Panama Canal to Viet Nam….which is a story in its own right.

To the Crew members like Alvin Cooper, Line Chief; Joe Doucette, Medic; Jim Szilagyi, Crew Chief; Paul Martin, my Company Clerk who helped me with all that paper work and did his best to keep me out of trouble…these and all the others who were the backbone of the 57th and instrumental in setting up the operation which was destined to become known as DUSTOFF.

These men all have a share in this Plaque and this honor. May God be with all you Dustoffers of today and those who will need you in the times ahead. Thank you, again and God Bless the USA.

/s/ John Temperilli


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