Enemy fire didn't stop an unarmed DUSTOFF Medevac Huey, similar to the restored one that landed in Columbus, from landing in Vietnam to rescue American soldiers.

Veterans said the Huey was not only transportation, it was much more. "It took us to the hospital," said Vietnam Veteran Charles Hinson. "It brought us food and our mail. It was like the mother hen you know."

Now a documentary about the famous helicopter is currently in production. Told by Vietnam Veterans like Robert Pryor who said the DUSTOFF Medevac was his lifeline after he was seriously injured when enemy troops attacked his camp.

"I was wounded several times," said Pryor. "Everywhere but my face. A B-40 rocket blew off part of my forearm. I gave up on surviving but Charles (Hinson) wouldn't give up on me."

Hinson called in the helicopter to get Pryor medical attention.

These medevac pilots were unarmed and still came in even when camps were under fire to save wounded soldiers. But that night it was dark and there wasn't much room to bring the DUSTOFF down. "I got on the ground and guided the plane in with my flashlight," said Hinson. "The pilot had to follow it and I talked him in."

Pryor said his comrades along with the heroic efforts of the Medevac teams saved his life. The veterans said this is just one of many stories that will no longer be hidden behind the shadow of the blade. "It's emotional but also a high," said Hinson. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

For more information about the film log onto www.intheshadowoftheblade.com

By Adrian Helmick
ahelmick@wtvm.com