COL David MacDonald’s distinguished 25-year military career was marked with lasting contributions to MEDEVAC structure, doctrine, and materiel across the full spectrum of military operations. As a Medical Evacuation Battalion Commander, Department of Army Staff Officer and Director of Medical Evacuation Proponency Directorate; he preserved the DUSTOFF Legacy while adapting the MEDEVAC mission for the 21st century. His Medical Battalion was awarded Meritorious Unit Commendation for establishing and executing the effective medical evacuation system for OIF. This system was adopted for OEF and incorporated into both Army and Joint Doctrine. Additionally, he successfully arbitrated MEDEVAC requirements for operations, doctrine, organization, leadership, and material with the Aviation Branch during MEDEVAC’s transition to Army Aviation Command and Control. His tenacity for the preservation of MEDEVAC tactics, techniques, and procedures, during this transition period, contributed to the lowest died-of-wounds rate in the history of modern warfare. David MacDonald was inducted into the DUSTOFF Hall of Fame on 21 May 2022.
