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).
His medical career did not end after the war. Rather, it continued in civilian life in Philadelphia. A year after World War II he was appointed chief hospital resident at Memorial Hospital. Then, in 1947, he received a regular commission in the Army (after first finishing his post-graduate training in internal medicine). He was assigned as a resident of internal medicine at Walter Reed in July of 1948. In July of 1949 he was transferred to serve in the Air Force, be fore he completed his residency at Walter Reed.
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. - 15437
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).
His medical career did not end after the war. Rather, it continued in civilian life in Philadelphia. A year after World War II he was appointed chief hospital resident at Memorial Hospital. Then, in 1947, he received a regular commission in the Army (after first finishing his post-graduate training in internal medicine). He was assigned as a resident of internal medicine at Walter Reed in July of 1948. In July of 1949 he was transferred to serve in the Air Force, be fore he completed his residency at Walter Reed.
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. - 15437
About the Author:
There are those who serve their communities as a doctor. Others serve their country in the military. General Steel chose both. This is his story.
