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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. |