Helicopter Rescue: An Incredible MedEvac Through Artillery | TEA & MEDALS

RAF Helicopter Pilot Flight Lieutenant Michelle Goodman and the rest of her Merlin crew were used to flying into dangerous places. They were part of an Incident Response Team (IRT) which picked up seriously injured soldiers and took them to hospital for treatment. But one night in Basra proved to be like no other when the crew flew to the rescue of a young soldier with very serious injuries sustained in a mortar attack.

Michelle flew into the city at night and under fire from rocket-propelled grenades and mortars.

Darren talks to Michelle who is the first woman ever to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross, as well as other members of the Merlin Crew about the decisions they made and the risks they took to save a life.

Contributors:
Michelle Goodman DFC, George Williams and Chris Parker.
With thanks to Stephen Vause and his family.

#bfbs #TEAandMEDALS

[dalebonehart]

I was a U.S. Marine in Sangin in 2010. The British CasEvac'd some of my Marines. They'd land with troops in contact even when our own wouldn't. I have the utmost respect for the RAF. Brothers in Arms!

[markusfederico]

The only thing my german grandpa ever told about the war is that British Soldiers risked their lifes to pull him out of the water before he died in the ice cold Atlantic Ocean. He often told his 3 daughters (born after the war) and 6 grandchildren that we wouldn’t exist without the Royal Marine. They sunk his boat but rescued him and all the survivors.
I hope somewhere in the UK some old men in my age share the story of their Grandfathers who were heroes and saved some enemies lifes.

[nccunca]

massive respect, I was on TELIC 9, you and your crew saved a life. a mum and dad now have their son with them because of what you did.

[chrissayers]

I have to agree with the last chaps assessment, she got the award on merit, what an incredible individual, a lady who's veins run with ice cold composure, under intense fire power. And incredibly modest, us mere mortals salute you.

[Chiller]

The other pilot was very generous in his praise and support. I’m thinking he would have made the same call. They were a great team that day..

[markkaintz]

She and her crew have my utmost respect for their service and sacrifices. I’m reminded of what I was taught: courage is not the lack of fear; rather, it is choosing not to let it control you.

[maxmoore]

Shes an English Rose, full of grit , I'm British and I Thank her for her service to my country. THAT, LL DO . As you can tell it's a Northern tribute.

[sbryce]

Deepest respect for all CasEvac/ DUSTOFF pilots and crew. Dragged my sorry arse out of the Eastern Shah Wali Kot AO when I was knocked back in 2010. From what I was told, as I don't remember much, was that they put the bird down in a complete brown out and under intense fire without Apache Overwatch. So from a very grateful Aussie Digger I just want to put out an all round thank you to everyone who was involved in getting me back to the Role 2 at TK and eventually home to meet my youngest son who was born only a week before I was hit. DUTY FIRST 🇦🇺

[keithmitchell]

Those of us who serve, or who have served in other services sometimes like to mock the RAF, but we know deep down that if it wasn't for you guys the world would be a very different place. Always respect, and a bit of awe.

[therewolf]

It's a rare thing to have such bravery and humility. What an amazing woman.

[patricknoveski]

I shared this story with my wife, and as I told her the details, I began to cry. Just the bravery of this crew and determination of the Captin to go in there. Beoynd human. Heroes, all of them.

[grubber]

With 30 year’s service and having been deployed on Op Telic 1 & 4 and Op herrick 7. I have always had the highest admiration for the air crews that always were there to support us. On the ground we always felt safe with callsigns Ugly 51 & 52 (Apache) above us so thank you for all of your professionalism 🙏

[waynewilliams]

First of all, thank you for your service Lt. M. Goodman. It takes a special kind of person to carry out the duties you were assigned to perform considering the known dangers. Your on screen kindly demeanor belies your true capabilities. The comments of your flight crew are a testament to be proud of. Congratulations on being awarded the DFC. You earned it!!

[zambiakid]

Amazing. So humble. She's right, it is a team effort. But under her command and leadership the team were inspired with the confidence they could complete the mission. Definitley a worthy recipient.

[johnmaholick]

As the father of two young women, I love to hear these stories of badass ladies! Respect

[thebestofj.fraley]

Every team needs a leader, that's why we do have officers in the military. If the leader is good, the team succeeds and its apparent this team had a good leader and that is why a young man survived. She and the team deserve this award. What a brave young lady.

[rhondakennedy]

She looked so young & fresh of face. Beaned like she would take care of everyone, no matter what. Thank you for your service & congratulations! Be safe out there people. Love to all

[wocookie]

BZ!! I’m sending this to my daughters. I’ve lost a buddy because the medivac couldn’t fly. This team was amazing and as brave as they come.

[atriacore]

Dear BFBS command, thank you for your great job and those heartbreaking stories.
With love,
Your fan from Russia

[shaungibson]

Gibbo
Great interview and my first time hearing from all the crew of the accout. My mate was the RAF Regiment force protection commander (Cpl David Wordingham 1 Sqn) on that mission. I remember him telling me that they were not going to let get back on the aircraft till the loady steped in. He jumped back in and didnt plug back into the comms and had now idea the amount of RPG's fired at the cab till they got back to COB. I also did IRT force protection with flight Lieutenant Goodman on the same tour. destination was to the Palace to pick a head injury casualty from roadside bomb, Cpl John Rigby 4th rifles was a twin, his brother William in the same battalion. I remember the medics working really hard as John kept crashing on the flight back. Sadly the Cpl died of his injuries with his brother in the hospital.Sad times all round. So proud of all were at Basrah air station in summer 07