Medic in Battle - Soldier of Mercy:

The terrifying sounds of combat!

In battle and before, in-between, and after, the medics were always at the ready, anxious to tend the wounds and heal the hurts of the fighting men of the 104th.

Enlisted medical corpsmen - as conscientious a group as ever donned U.S. khaki to go forth into battle - trained as litter bearers, first-aid men, and technicians. Assigned to companies and aid stations in each regiment, they were ever ready to assist their fellow soldiers over the hump to the hospital or ease the way of the dying comrade to "the better land."

Physicians brought into the Army underwent rigorous training beyond their medical degrees. Medical Field Service Schools challenged them, tested their mettle, brought them face-to-face with the realities of combat.

Despite the hazards they were subjected to in areas where the wounded were being treated, the medics lived up to a tradition, formed in training in Oregon and Colorado, of thinking first of the wounded soldier, then of themselves. They took care of those who hurt, they saved the lives of many.

The medics were a team with the chaplains. The former offered physical and emotional assistance; the chaplains gave spiritual and emotional guidance. Both were supremely important to the Timberwolf Division as it fought its way towards its record as the "Division with the greatest number of continuous front-line days."

By Timberwolf Medical Officer, Major Frank Miller, M.D.

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This page last updated: 30 January, 2008
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