As I was doing a search on the internet I came across a bio of a true American hero, General Maxwell W. Steel, Jr. Retired since 1975, he was served our country in some truly amazing ways, primarily as a brilliant doctor. As you read his story you will be impressed with someone who chose to use his career as a doctor to also serve his country via military service. This is how it all began.
His military career begins in 1944. General Steel joined the Medical Officer Training Corps. while working on his MD. When he finished his medical degree, he then received a Reserve Commission as First Lieutenant. The full-time, active military service that I spoke of began in November of that year. He was assigned to an Orthopedic Doctor at the Oliver General Hospital, located in Augusta, GA. Three months later, as the military often does, General Steel was re-assigned to Neurosurgical Service in Walla-Walla, Washington (at McCaw General).
After World War II, General Steel briefly left the military and continued his medical career as a civilian. Returning to civilian life brought him to Memorial Hospital where he was appointed chief hospital resident. However, that hiatus would only be temporary. He completed his training in internal medicine at Walter Reed and received a regular commission in the Army. However, this residency would end in 1949 when he would be transferred to the Air Force.
In November of 1950 he was assigned as Chief Medical Officer at Chanute Air Force Base. From June of 1951 to December of 1953 he served as consultant in internal medicine to the Far East Air Force's Surgeon. After this tour, he was transferred to California where he served as Chief of medical services and professional services at March Air Force Base.
From August of 1955 to August 1969 he served as Chief of Medical Services and Director of Professional Services at Bolling Air Force Base and Malcolm and Commander of the Malcolm Grow USAF Medical Center (as well as Surgeon of Headquarters Command). In 1970 he became Command Surgeon of Military Airlift Command. Finally, after achieving the distinguished honor of becoming Deputy Surgeon of the Air Force in 1972, he would retire from the military in September of 1975. While General Steel may not be as recognized a name as General George Washington, his contribution to the Service--and to our country--are great. Our country needs more dedicated and gifted soldiers and surgeons such as this man. - 15255
His military career begins in 1944. General Steel joined the Medical Officer Training Corps. while working on his MD. When he finished his medical degree, he then received a Reserve Commission as First Lieutenant. The full-time, active military service that I spoke of began in November of that year. He was assigned to an Orthopedic Doctor at the Oliver General Hospital, located in Augusta, GA. Three months later, as the military often does, General Steel was re-assigned to Neurosurgical Service in Walla-Walla, Washington (at McCaw General).
After World War II, General Steel briefly left the military and continued his medical career as a civilian. Returning to civilian life brought him to Memorial Hospital where he was appointed chief hospital resident. However, that hiatus would only be temporary. He completed his training in internal medicine at Walter Reed and received a regular commission in the Army. However, this residency would end in 1949 when he would be transferred to the Air Force.
In November of 1950 he was assigned as Chief Medical Officer at Chanute Air Force Base. From June of 1951 to December of 1953 he served as consultant in internal medicine to the Far East Air Force's Surgeon. After this tour, he was transferred to California where he served as Chief of medical services and professional services at March Air Force Base.
From August of 1955 to August 1969 he served as Chief of Medical Services and Director of Professional Services at Bolling Air Force Base and Malcolm and Commander of the Malcolm Grow USAF Medical Center (as well as Surgeon of Headquarters Command). In 1970 he became Command Surgeon of Military Airlift Command. Finally, after achieving the distinguished honor of becoming Deputy Surgeon of the Air Force in 1972, he would retire from the military in September of 1975. While General Steel may not be as recognized a name as General George Washington, his contribution to the Service--and to our country--are great. Our country needs more dedicated and gifted soldiers and surgeons such as this man. - 15255
About the Author:
Some people choose a career as a doctor. Some choose the military. General Steel chose both. This is his story.
