Dirty thirty (Vietnam)
| The Dirty Thirty | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1962–1964 |
| Country | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Role | Training and Air Commando |
| Engagements | Vietnam War |
The first U.S. airmen to take an official role in the Vietnam War were a group of pilots called the Dirty Thirty. They were U.S. Air Force pilots sent to Vietnam in 1962 and 1963, to assist the South Vietnamese air force (VNAF) in military airlift and transport missions. They primarily flew as co-pilots alongside VNAF pilots on these missions.
Other G.I.s had survived in Vietnam and had participated in combat operations. Officially, however the Dirty Thirty (an unofficial adopted nickname) pilots were classed as "advisors", not combatants.
The original group of pilots deployed in 1962 rotated home during early 1963, and were replaced by a second contingent. During the 20-month period they were on loan to the VNAF, the total of sixty Dirty Thirty pilots flew approximately 25,000 hours, earning 97 Air Medals and two Distinguished Flying Crosses.
Richard W. Hudson wrote a book about the pilots, entitled "The Dirty Thirty".