The 236th Medical Detachment was activated on July 1, 1968 at Fort Polk, Louisiana. After extensive training the unit became combat ready in September 1968. In November of 1968, the departed for and arrived in Vietnam.  They spent their first Thanksgiving in the Republic of South Vietnam.  

 

The 236th Medical Detachment, DaNang Dustoff,  was assigned to the 44th Medical Brigade, under command of the 67th Medical Group located at Camp Viking (Red Beach), DaNang. Red Beach was located along Highway 1, eight km northwest of DaNang proper.  

 

The 236th Medical Detachment flew medical evacuation missions out of Red Beach supporting all disciplines of the military fighting in the northern area of the I Corp tactical zone. The 236th, while operating out of this area, was known as "DaNang Dustoff."  

 

Two helicopters (each manned by an Aircraft Commander, a Pilot, a Crew Chief, and a Medic) from the 236th initially maintained a field site at LZ Baldy, Hill 63. LZ Baldy was located at the intersection of Highway 1 and Route 535, approximately 28 km northwest of Chu Lai. While the 236th was operating out of this area they went under the call sign of  "Charger Dustoff" and were primarily supporting the 196th Light Infantry Brigade, "The Chargers". This Area of Operation (AO) encompassed the eastern coast from Barrier Island to the west, deep into Hiep Duc Valley, and from Hoi An along the northern perimeter to Tam Ky on the south boundary.  

 

Patients picked up by the 236th from this field site were initially brought to a medical aid station operated by C Company, 23rd Medical Battalion at LZ Baldy. Once at the aid station, patients were stabilized by doctors and medical aid personnel.  While the "First-Up" helicopter was actively involved in field missions, the "Second-Up"  helicopter would back haul stabilized patients to the 95th Evacuation Hospital in DaNang or the 91st Evacuation Hospital in Chu Lai for additional treatment.  

 

In July of 1969 the 236th's field site moved from LZ Baldy with C Company 23rd Medical Battalion to Hawk Hill  (Hill 29).  Hawk Hill was located about 16 km southeast of LZ Baldy. The AO and the unit's missions were maintained from this location.

 

The 236th was redeployed to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, on March 30, 1972.  During the three years and five months that the 236th was in Vietnam, it had picked up a total of 41,000 patients.  They flew 19,072 missions and completed a total of 13,106 flying hours.

 

The 236th was awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation for exceptionally meritorious service in the performance of its duties while in Vietnam as well as the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.  While many crew members of the 236th were injured while performing their duties, no crew member ever lost his life.