U.S. Army Medical Department Center of History and Heritage creates World War I poster series

As a part of the World War I Centennial observance, the U.S. Army Medical Department Center of History and Heritage has created a poster series that recognizes the roles of U.S. Army Medical Department personnel during the war.

Each series set consists of eight posters that feature the medical corps of the Army’s Medical Department. More than just placards, the posters provide a historical glimpse into the Army of 100 years ago with sharp images and information.

Doctors, dentists, nurses and enlisted medical personnel are presented with their numbers and activities during the war, less well-known are Army veterinarians, Sanitary Corps members, civilians, and reconstruction aids (physical/occupational therapy).

While not every specialty is listed, all of the current U.S. Army Medical Department Corps are represented.

A limited number of the posters will be sent to Army hospitals, various commands, medical centers and activities and medical brigades. People can download copies of the posters at http://ameddregiment.amedd.army.mil/posters.html.

Some World War I AMEDD facts:

·       As the Army expanded for the war, Army doctors conducted almost 4 million physical examinations.

·       When America entered the war, the number of Army doctors increased from roughly 800 to more than 30,000.

·       AMEDD Soldiers Capt. Conrad Wesselhoeft, 1^st Lt. Frank L. Williams, and Private 1^st Class Harry Liebeskind each received two Distinguished Service Crosses for their wartime efforts.

·       More than 21,000 nurses served in the Army during World War I.

·       A new component to the force, African-Americans served as doctors, dentists, and veterinarians during World War I. African-American physicians Urbane F. Bass and Thomas E. Jones earned the Distinguished Service Cross during the war.