LTC Paul A. Bloomquist exemplified the DUSTOFF spirit throughout his brilliant career. Spending nearly 35 months in Vietnam, he earned 4 awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross, 37 Air Medals, and 3 Purple Hearts. One DFC citation reports that even though he was wounded himself, he continued flying for nearly 13 hours during which time …
Brigadier Jerome Foust’s career as DUSTOFF Aviator, commander of medical and medical support units in a variety of combat operations, and as Chief, Medical Service Corps, clearly defines him as one of the most accomplished MSC officers ever. From his first assignment as a DUSTOFF pilot in the Republic of Vietnam, where he completed many …
In February 1962, CPT John Temperilli, Commander, 57th Medical Detachment, spearheaded events that formed DUSTOFF. Reassigned to Vietnam, they arrived, bringing the first Hueys in country. He fought for things taken for granted today, like refueling and weather support, maps, and repair parts. The first mission was flown 12 May 1962, when they evacuated a …
Specialist 5 Wayne Simmons was a giant of a man, and much to his delight he was called “Tiny.” In seven months he proved himself to be one of the bravest members of the 57th Medical Detachment, setting a standard that would be hard to equal, let alone exceed. He demonstrated courage and leadership abilities …
Steve Hook was the “Charles Kelly of Dustoff medics”. He put every life entrusted to his care above his own. He routinely risked his life for the wounded. He walked in minefields for wounded where no other soldier would move. He crossed battlefields under enemy fire for the wounded. He volunteered for missions in weather …
Lieutenant Colonel (later Major General) Spurgeon Neel was a pioneer in the development of the principles of aeromedical evacuation of battlefield casualties having chaired a board which tested, evaluated, and recommended the use of the helicopter in medical evacuation (MASH) roles. His recommendations were put to use in the Korean War and, based on further …
SFC (Later CWO) Louis R. Rocco, Advisory Team 162, MACV, Vietnam, was awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action northeast of Katum, 24 May 1970. He volunteered to accompany a medevac team to evacuate eight critically wounded ARVN personÂnel. Approaching the landing zone, the helicopter became the target for intense …
Chief Warrant Officer (CW3), (later CW4) Michael J. Novosel was a “man for all seasons.” As a DUSTOFF pilot – that almost legendary breed of helicopter flier whose record in rescuing wounded men during battle is one of the proudest chapters in the Vietnam War -he was one of the best. He was credited with …
Major (later Major General) Patrick H. Brady, U.S. Army, Medical Service Corps, 54th Medical Detachment, 67th Medical Group, 44th Medical Brigade. Near Chu Lai, Republic of Vietnam, 6 January 1968 demonstrated conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. He distinguished himself while commanding …
Major Charles L. Kelly was DUSTOFF and DUSTOFF was “Combat Kelly.” The two became synonymous in Vietnam in 1964. As commander of the 57th Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance), Kelly assumed the call sign “DUSTOFF.” His skill, aplomb, dedication, and daring soon made both famous throughout the Delta. The silence of many an outpost was broken …
