Struggles and Triumphs

A History of the Tarrant County Medical Society - World War II
By Margie B. Peschel, MD

In his address to Congress on January 6, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt set forth the cause of democracy in these immortal words:

“In the future days, which we seek to make secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms. The first is freedom of speech and expression – everywhere in the world. The second is freedoms of every person to worship god in his own way – everywhere in the world. The third is freedom from want . . . everywhere in the world. The fourth is freedom from fear . . . anywhere in the world.”

December 7, 1941, is “a date that will live in infamy.” Japanese planes attacked Pearl Harbor. The United States declared war on Japan on December 8, 1941, and on Germany and Italy three days later. By December 1942, 58 physicians of the 185 active members of the Tarrant County Medical Society were in the armed forces.

Captain Noel Bailey in France wrote: “We are located in a former seminary for priests. It was used as a hospital by the Germans. I am still with the Texas Unit—127th General Hospital.” Commander Walter B. West spent two years as fleet surgeon with the South Atlantic Fleet. He was awarded the Bronze Star. Captain Louis Levy was in the Army Medical Corps and served in North Africa, Corsica, and Italy. Captain Robert Stow wrote: “My work is in the air evacuation of casualties from the European Theatre. Sure will be glad when we can call it a day and stop ‘messing’ up our young men. Figures of evacuation through this station would astonish most. The casualties require constant medical care.” Lt. Colonel Burke Brewster was surgeon of the 6th Corps when the division landed in Salerno. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds sustained at Anzio. He was also awarded the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star. Captain Charles Harris II wrote from Okinawa: “Since I left Fort Worth in 1943, I have been to and seen a lot of places. The division I am serving with is the 96th and I was with them on Leyte and now Okinawa. The Japs have thrown everything in the book at us on this island and I hope that I never see anything like it again. This has been one of the bloodiest and most terrible campaigns I have ever seen. We have had to fight desperately for every bit of ground we got. Our company has been in action over 50 days . . .”

As World War II continued to intensify, preparation for the protection of citizens of Fort Worth and Tarrant County began in the event of an air raid or major act of sabotage. The Medical Advisory Committee of the Tarrant County Civilian Defense Council was chaired by Dr. Porter Brown. The city was divided into seven geographic districts. Each district was assigned to a specific hospital. Doctors were assigned to form squads at each hospital.

World War II came to a close on September 2, 1945. Tarrant County Medical Society President T. H. Thomason greeted returning doctors:

“In response to our country’s call to arms, you laid aside your respective practices and went with our victorious forces to the ends of the earth. You have known the horror and hardship of war and have been part of the glory of it. Far away battles of the world are familiar names to you—you were there. The Tarrant County Medical Society is proud of its warrior members.
    Welcome home!”