Posts of the Members of the Hall of Fame with Picture and Citation
COL Benjamin Knisely epitomizes the best in AMEDD aviation and our DUSTOFF tradition. At the battle of Hue-Phu Bai he was shot down while attempting a hoist mission in the Ashaw valley. For three days, with no food or water, he evaded capture. After evacuation and nine months of rehabilitation, Ben’s petition to remain on …
COL Hank Tuell had an outstanding career as an aviator, commander and hospital administrator. His initial assignment after flight school was with the 15th Medical Battalion in Vietnam. He flew more than 1,000 combat hours, evacuating over 2,100 patients, demonstrating tenacity and bravery under fire. His combat awards include the Silver Star, six awards of …
COL Charles Webb completed training as an infantryman before attending OCS in 1957. Branch transferring to the Medical Service Corps, he had a long, distinguished career as an aviator, staff officer and commander. He commanded at the detachment, platoon, company and battalion levels, had many tours as a DUSTOFF pilot and several years as a …
COL David Dryden is a multi-skilled aviator, commander, and health care administrator. One of the first MSC pilots to become a Helicopter Instrument Instructor and Standardization Pilot, he completed two tours in Vietnam, flying 1036 combat hours and evacuating over 2500 patients. Facing almost insurmountable challenges involving aircraft and maintenance support, he activated and commanded …
Jimmy Johnson was an extraordinarily accomplished enlisted /officer medic. After a tour as a combat medic in Vietnam, he volunteered for DUSTOFF duty. On a night mission during a tropical storm in mountains, he flew 9 hours loading and treated scores of wounded under constant enemy fire. Jimmy volunteered to go back again and again …
Warrant Officer Tim Cole served his country with dignity, honor, and valor in Vietnam, flying over 800 missions and evacuating over 1600 wounded personnel. Tim was a dedicated pilot who earned the Silver Star, 5 Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, the Purple Heart, and multiple Air Medals during his 9 months in …
LTC Vince Cedola’s first mission of deploying a unit set the stage for the rest of his aviation career, activating and deploying DUSTOFF units to where none had previously existed. Originally assigned to the 274th Medical Detachment in Germany, he was immediately transferred to the 47th Medical Detachment and deployed with them to Lebanon. He …
Colonel Edward Bradshaw’s 30-year career in the Army epitomized the creed of the Army officer. He held 11 commands; many were unique and can never be replicated by other Army officers. He served in Vietnam as an Infantry Platoon Leader in the 1st Cavalry Division. Returning to Vietnam as a DUSTOFF Aviator, he commanded the …
Colonel Robert B. Romines had an outstanding career as a DUSTOFF aviator and professional officer. His performance as a DUSTOFF aviator in combat is legendary. During his Vietnam tour with the 45th Med Co (AA), no one flew more hours, evacuated more patients, took more hits from enemy fire or completed more evacuation missions. He …
COL Dan Gower dedicated 27 years of service to Army serving 96 months in command and 147 months as a DUSTOFF pilot. His career was marked with outstanding leadership, selfless service. His unit was awarded the FORSCOM Commander’s Trophy for Aviation Safety in 1981, signifying the number one-rated unit of that size. He developed the Army’s …
