James “Pappy” Coleman

James “Pappy” Coleman earned 3 Silver Stars, a Distinguished Flying Cross, 2 Bronze Stars and an Air Medal all for Valor, and 2 Purple Hearts; but no award matches the respect he earned from those he served. On hundreds of missions, in numerous minefields and countless bullet-swept battle zones, Coleman tread where others would not. He cared more for others’ lives than his own. One mission illustrates his courage and dedication: after detonating a mine which blew him into the air filling his body with shrapnel and setting his pants on fire, he got up, put out the fire and refused treatment until all the wounded had been loaded. Another mission illustrates his attitude: a bullet passed between his lips filling them with blood. When a fellow soldier rushed to his aid, Coleman quipped through the blood, “I am good to go. I just kissed the bullet that had my name on it.” Jim Coleman was a giant among DUSTOFF medics. James Coleman was inducted into the DUSTOFF Hall of Fame on 1 March 2008.

ANNOUCMENTS

Jim Truscott’s Legacy

When Jim Truscott filed his last flight plan his family donated a large number of “leave behind” mementos. These were provided to Dave Zimmerman. Dave

Read More »

DUSTOFF Hall of Fame Procedures

In the interest of transparency and encouraging DUSTOFFers to consider nominating highly qualified members of the DUSTOFF legacy for consideration and voting for induction into

Read More »

COL Bryant Harp

Bryant Harp elected to the DUSTOFF Hall of Fame in the 2025 election. Citation under development. Induction will be during the 2026 Reunion in San

Read More »

COL Erik Rude

Erik Rude elected to the DUSTOFF Hall of Fame in the 2025 election. Citation under development. Induction will be during the 2026 Reunion in San

Read More »

COL Gerald “Don” Poe

Don Poe elected to the DUSTOFF Hall of Fame in the 2025 election. Citation under development. Induction will be during the 2026 Reunion in San

Read More »

CW2 Harry Miller

Henry was born in Florida on February 15, 1945. He filed his final flight plan in Westlake Village, CA on December 20, 2025 at the

Read More »