We’re so fortunate at Arrowhead Films to have so many opportunities to meet people who have left their mark on history. For our documentary film in progress about the history of Army helicopter medical evacuation, known as “Dustoff,” we recently interviewed Mr. William Hammett of San Antonio, Texas. ”I flew so many missions at night that the people at the MASH called me ‘Captain Midnight’” he told us.
Now 90 years old, helicopter medical evacuation “solo pilot” Hammett sat down with us to reflect on the pioneering MEDEVAC missions he and his fellows flew during the Korean War, forging the core Dustoff value: “If you get ‘em there fast where the aid men can do some work on him, you can most likely save a life.” Hammett was the sole crew member of the helicopter – familiar to fans of the television series MASH – on which he could carry two wounded on the skids. At times, he had to land to perform an emergency tracheotomy or change a spark plug.
A remarkable story from a remarkable man, and you’ll get to hear more of it when we finish the
Korean War Pilot William Hammett Interviewed for Dustoff Legacy Film
show!
