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JBSA News
NEWS | Oct. 20, 2017

Surrounded by history: the U.S. Army Best Medic Competition and medics in World War I

By Scott C. Woodard U.S. Army Medical Department Center of History and Heritage

A free public demonstration of a World War I Regimental Aid Station will be presented on the grounds of the U.S. Army Medical Department Museum at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston through Nov. 2.

 

The U.S. Army Medical Department Center of History and Heritage is, once again, providing historical support for the 2017 Command Sgt. Maj. Jack L. Clark, Jr. Army Best Medic Competition at JBSA-Camp Bullis from Oct. 28 through Nov. 2. 

 

This year’s competition is commemorating the centennial of the United States’ participation in World War I. Candidates will review the living history display during breakfast before the awards ceremony.  Volunteers and staff will continue the circa 1917-18 portrayal throughout the morning. 

 

People entering JBSA-Fort Sam Houston from Harry Wurzbach Road are encouraged to stop by on the way to their offices or visit during their lunch breaks.  All are welcomed.

 

During the competition, candidates will experience the sights and sounds of France during the “war to end all wars.” Stories of the medics that came before them are woven throughout the lanes during the grueling 72-hour competition. 

 

During World War I, the Army experienced less death from disease for the first time in its record of warfare.  The emergence of combat aviation, better artillery, machine guns and gas warfare all contributed to the increased casualty rates on the front lines. 

 

Simultaneously, the improved science of military medicine in preventing disease, treatment and automotive methods of evacuation contributed to the overall decrease in mortality.  It is in this period that medics are pushed forward to the company level, similar to the combat formations seen in today’s modern Army. 

 

Whether the shrill call of a trench whistle signaling the candidates to advance into no-man’s land, the ominous cloud of simulated chlorine gas or the completion of a buddy-run replicating the valorous acts of Pvts. Henry Ruland and Herman Woll of the 90th Infantry Division rescuing a fellow soldier under constant machine gun and shell fire, the accomplishments and bravery of those medics 100 years ago will be remembered.