In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi’s diary recounts a harrowing Medevac mission on Saturday, November 14, 1964, in which he and his crew were called away from a resupply run to extract wounded ARVN soldiers caught in an ambush. Despite the urgent conditions, they managed to transport 15 soldiers, many with severe and life-threatening injuries. Through his vivid description of their wounds and the unforgiving realities of combat, we’re reminded of the relentless intensity of Medevac operations.
What’s Covered:
- The development of Medevac operations from WWII through the Vietnam War and beyond.
- An in-depth look at the role of helicopters, from the iconic Huey in Vietnam to the advanced Black Hawk of today.
- The psychological and physical challenges faced by Medevac crews, especially as they strive to provide critical care within the "Golden Hour."
📷 Featured Photo: A somber image Popi took from his pilot’s seat, showing an ARVN soldier in visible pain, bandaged and awaiting medical attention on the floor of the helicopter. The photograph captures both the urgency of the mission and Popi’s dedication to documenting the experience.
🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather.
Follow Dearest Suzie on social media:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/
X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast
📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at [email protected] — I’d love to hear from you!