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 he rescued many casualties under heavy enemy fire. He was selected “Army Aviator of the Year” in 1965 and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce honored him as an “Outstanding Young American.” Following a highly successful battalion command in Germany, his life was cut short when a terrorist group exploded several bombs at the V Corps Headquarters in Frankfurt. In recognition of his faithful service, the US Army installation at Ziegenberg, Germany, home of the 68th Medical Group, was renamed “Camp Paul Bloomquist.” He left behind a legacy of unmatched excellence and dedication for other DUSTOFF pilots and crews to follow. Paul Bloomquist was inducted into the DUSTOFF Hall of Fame on 22 February 2003.
