- Genre:history
- Sub-genre:Military / World War II
- Language:English
- Pages:296
- eBook ISBN:9798350945447
- Paperback ISBN:9798350945430
Book details
Overview
"Jungle Doctor" is a poignant journey through the personal chronicles of Dr. Leo P. Sheedy, a radiologist from Pittsburgh, and his experiences during World War II. As part of the Mayo Clinic's 233rd Station Hospital, Dr. Sheedy's letters vividly depict the hospital's journey from training in Pennsylvania to constructing a medical facility in the jungles of New Guinea. This intimate history captures the day-to-day challenges, successes, and frustrations faced by those delivering critical medical care under primitive conditions.
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The generation of Americans that answered the call of duty during World War II is rapidly passing into history. Before long there will be no new, firsthand accounts of the war and the daily experiences of those who helped secure victory.
Dr. Sheedy was kind and capable, garnering the respect and friendship of countless people he met during the war. As a result, his letters include stories of his many encounters ranging from New Guinea native tribesmen to famous airmen such as Charles Lindbergh and Medal of Honor recipient, Maj. Richard Bong, as well as entertainers including Jack Benny and Carole Landis.
This is a personal history, reflecting the day-to-day challenges, successes and frustrations experienced by those attempting to deliver highly professional services under primitive conditions.
Jungle Doctor is in essence a sort of "time machine", going back to a time when the outcome of the war was still at issue, and providing insight into the emotions experienced by those involved including an ever-present heartfelt longing for home and loved ones contrasted with a keen sense of duty and desire to help many other brave young men make it back home.
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