68th Theater Medical Command dedicates building in honor of Army medevac pilot

SEMBACH, Germany - Under bright blue skies and near-perfect flying conditions, the 68th Theater Medical Command dedicated its headquarters building as the Lt. Col. Paul A. Bloomquist Medical Hall during a ceremony at Sembach Kaserne, Germany, Oct. 30, 2026.

The building honors the late U.S. Army Lt. Col. Paul A. Bloomquist, a distinguished Medical Service Corps officer, combat aviator, and pioneer of aeromedical evacuation. His courage and dedication to wounded service members embodied the DUSTOFF spirit.

Born Oct. 30, 1932, in Utah, Bloomquist was killed in a terrorist bombing at V Corps headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, on May 11, 1972, as he approached a nearby officers' club.

Bloomquist was inducted posthumously into the DUSTOFF Hall of Fame on Feb. 22, 2003. His induction recognized a career defined by courage and commitment to the aeromedical evacuation mission. During nearly 35 months in Vietnam, he earned four Distinguished Flying Crosses, 37 Air Medals, and three Purple Hearts.

One Distinguished Flying Cross citation notes that, although wounded himself, Bloomquist continued flying for nearly 13 hours while rescuing numerous casualties under heavy enemy fire. He was named Army Aviator of the Year in 1964, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce recognized him as an Outstanding Young American.

In addition to the DUSTOFF Hall of Fame, Bloomquist was inducted into the Utah Aviation Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Army Aviation Hall of Fame in 2015. In June 1980, the U.S. Army installation at Ziegenberg, West Germany, which served as headquarters for the 68th Medical Group, was named Camp Paul Bloomquist in his honor.

Although Bloomquist was not assigned to the 68th Medical Group, the naming connected his legacy permanently to the organization and recognized his extraordinary contributions to Army Medicine.

"We stand on the shoulders of giants, and knowing our history and the people who came before us can inspire us," said Command Sgt. Maj. Kyle Brunell, 68th Theater Medical Command command sergeant major. "Going through the old photos of World War II, Vietnam, and the Cold War was enlightening and inspiring. I hope it shows current members of the organization that we have an amazing history filled with courage and sacrifice, that they have joined an organization with a rich history, and that serving in this organization matters and is bigger than themselves."

Brunell added that he hopes the dedication fills current and future members of the 68th Theater Medical Command with pride and reinforces that their work matters.

Bloomquist was known for his fearlessness. He often flew missions without wearing a flak vest and, during his time as a battalion commander, confronted the drug, racial, and social challenges affecting the Army during that period. His leadership helped redirect Soldiers' efforts toward productive goals while maintaining discipline, cohesion, and operational readiness.

"As you enter or pass through these halls that now bear the Bloomquist name, take the time to recognize his actions, his character, and his example," said Brig. Gen. Lance C. Raney, commanding general of the 68th Theater Medical Command and command surgeon for U.S. Army Europe and Africa. "When you face a hard decision, when the mission is demanding and the path forward is unclear, remember Paul and his peers who faced uncertainty with courage and compassion."

Bloomquist remains an enduring example of mission-first leadership and an officer who placed the lives of others above his own.

"To every Soldier and civilian in the 68th and on Sembach, this building is now a reminder of the standard," Raney said. "Live up to it. Paul, happy rebirthday, and welcome back to the 68th team."

Although his life and career ended far too soon, Bloomquist left an enduring legacy of courage, selfless service, and dedication to the aeromedical evacuation mission.