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The FReeper Canteen Salutes The U.S. Navy Hospital Corps On Its 117th Anniversary 17 June 2015
Serving the Best Troops and Veterans in the World! | The Canteen Crew

Posted on 06/16/2015 5:58:13 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa

The FReeper Canteen Salutes The
U.S. Navy Hospital Corps On Its
117th Anniversary
17 June 1898 – 17 June 2015







From the early days of the Republic the Navy has had enlisted medical personnel known variously as “Loblolly Boys”, Surgeons Stewards, Pharmacists Mates and, most recently, Hospital Corpsmen. Established 17 June 1898 by an Act of Congress, the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps is the only wholly enlisted corps in the Navy. The Hospital Corps is the largest rating in the Navy, comprising approximately ten percent of the Navy’s enlisted personnel.

They were originally called Loblolly Boys in Navy records on the 1798 muster roll of USS Constitution. As the requirements of this job expanded, in 1839, the Navy established the Surgeon's Steward Rating, which in turn became Apothecary in 1866. Navy regulations of 1870 refer to the rating as Bayman (possibly sick-bay-man), and in 1898 it became Hospital Steward, in turn becoming Pharmacist's Mate in 1917. After World War II, the name of the rating was changed to Hospital Corpsman.



Apothecary and Bayman
An apothecary (petty officer first class) treats a shipmate aboard the USS Boston in 1888.


Hospital Steward (CPO) and Hospital Apprentices, c. 1905

There is a special relationship between Hospital Corpsmen and Marines. The Hospital Corps supplies medical support to Marine infantry units. Prior to serving with the Marine Corps, Corpsmen attend Field Medical Service School, an intensive program of combat infantry training similar to boot-camp. They are then deployed for service with Marine Corps units of the FMF (Fleet Marine Force).


The bronze statue, depicting the bond between Navy Hospital Corpsmen and U.S. Marines, stands in the main lobby at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland

From Belleau Wood to Baghdad, from Chateau Thierry to the Chosin Reservoir, in Hue, An Hoa, Khe Sanh, and in every major Marine Corps engagement of WWII, Corpsmen were present and provided medical support to the Corps. The Hospital Corps, in the person of Pharmacists Mate 2/C John H. Bradley (Navy Cross), took part in the iconic flag raising on Mt. Suribachi on 23 February 1945.



PH/2C John H. Bradley, USN



Navy doctors and corpsmen administer to wounded marines at an Iwo Jima first aid station, 20 February 1945. Navy Chaplain, LtJG John H. Galbreath (right center) is kneeling beside a man who has severe flash burns, received in an artillery battery fifty yards or so away.



HM/3 Vernon Wike, Khe Sanh, 1967 1st Bn. Ninth Marines "Walking Dead"



FMF Corpsman D. R. Howe (Glencoe, MN) treats the wounds of Private First Class D. A. Crum (New Brighton, PA), "H" Company, 2nd Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment, during Operation Hue City.



"You guys are the Marine's doctors; There's no better in the business than a Navy Corpsman...." Lt.Gen. Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller, U.S.M.C.





Corpsmen have distinguished themselves in battle, being awarded 22
Medals of Honor between the Boxer Rebellion and the present:

Hospital Apprentice Robert H. Stanley, USN (Boxer Rebellion)
Hospital Apprentice First Class William Zuiderveld, USN (Veracruz Incursion)
Hospital Apprentice Fred H. McGuire, USN (Philippine Insurrection)
Hospital Steward William S. Shacklette, USN (Boiler Explosion in San Diego)

World War I:

Pharmacist's Mate First Class John H. Balch, USN
Hospital Apprentice First Class David E. Hayden, USN



World War II:

Hospital Apprentice First Class Robert Eugene Bush, USN
Pharmacist's Mate 2nd Class William D. Halyburton, Jr., USNR
Hospital Apprentice First Class Fred F. Lester, USN
Pharmacist's Mate First Class Francis J. Pierce, USN
Pharmacist's Mate Second Class George E. Wahlen, USN
Pharmacist's Mate Third Class Jack Williams, USN
Pharmacist's Mate First Class John H. Willis, USN

Korean War:

Hospital Corpsman Third Class Edward C. Benfold, USN
Hospital Corpsman Third Class William R. Charette, USN
Hospitalman Richard D. Dewert, USN
Hospitalman Francis C. Hammond, USN

Vietnam War:

Hospital Corpsman Second Class Donald E. Ballard, USN
Hospital Corpsman Third Class Wayne M. Caron, USN
Hospital Corpsman Third Class Robert R. Ingram, USN
Hospital Corpsman Second Class David R. Ray, USN

In addition, Hospital Corpsmen have been awarded a host of lesser decorations, including 174 Navy Crosses, 31 Army Distinguished Service Crosses, 946 Silver Stars and 1582 Bronze Stars, not to mention thousands of Purple Hearts.



Women in the Hospital Corps

Starting in January of 1943, women were permitted to enlist into the Hospital Corps. A year later, the first Hospital Corps School for WAVES was commissioned at the U.S. Naval Hospital, Bethesda, Maryland. The first class consisted of 230 enlisted women. Women in the Hospital Corps had previously been WAVES, or members of the Women’s Reserve, U.S. Naval Reserve. New legislation permitted women to enlist in the Regular Navy, and HM1 Ruth Flora became the first hospital corpsman to do so on 12 July 1948. Women have served in the Hospital Corps ever since in most of the jobs performed by men. Women are assigned to most ships and field medical support units of the Fleet Marine Force (FMF). Until recently, women were not assigned to submarines or some units of the FMF.



Hospital Corpsman Shannon Crowley, 22, US Marine with the FET (Female Engagement Team) 1st Battalion 8th Marines, Regimental Combat team II patrols along with male marines November 18, 2010 in Musa Qala, Afghanistan.



In today’s Navy, the Hospital Corps serves in a number of capacities. In hospitals, dispensaries and clinics, Corpsmen serve as nursing assistants on the wards, as laboratory technicians, operating room technicians, x-ray technicians, and in a variety of other roles most medically related but also some administrative in nature. On board ships throughout the Fleet, Corpsmen assist the ship’s surgeon in all manner of ways. Qualified hospital corpsmen may be assigned the responsibility of independent duty aboard ships and submarines; Fleet Marine Force, Special Forces and Seabee units, and at isolated duty stations where no medical officer is available. Corpsmen continue to serve with Marines in the Fleet Marine Force. In their second century of service, the Hospital Corps continues to go above and beyond the call of duty both at sea and ashore to prevent and treat illness and injury to members of the Naval Service.



"Eternal Father, Strong to Save"
United States Marine Corps Band
(Click)


"Anchors Aweigh!"
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir
(Click)


"The Marine Corps Hymn"
The Pipes and Drums of the Black Watch
(Click)




Canteen Mission Statement:

Showing support and boosting the morale
Of our military and our allies military
and family members of the above.
Honoring those who have served before.



Please remember that The Canteen is
here to support and entertain our
troops and veterans and their families,
and is family friendly.




TOPICS: Extended News; Free Republic; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: canteen; military; troopsupport
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To: ConorMacNessa; Jane Long

No floods here. It didn’t even rain here today. We are up for the year, though, for which I am grateful!


21 posted on 06/16/2015 6:37:02 PM PDT by luvie (All my heroes wear camos! Thank you David, Michael, Chris, Txradioguy, JJ, CMS, & ALL Vets, too!w)
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To: ConorMacNessa

You’ll get no arguments from me about that!


22 posted on 06/16/2015 6:37:18 PM PDT by Publius ("Who is John Galt?" by Billthedrill and Publius now available at Amazon.)
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To: Soaring Feather
Good evening, Soaring Feather, and thank you very much!

"I am an American fighting man. I serve in the forces which guard my country and our way of life.
I am prepared to give my life in their defense."

23 posted on 06/16/2015 6:37:35 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in Battle!)
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To: Publius

Super! I’m sure you’ll have a great thread, too! I’ll be watching for it!

It’s good that we Canteeners can help each other out. :) Teamwork!


24 posted on 06/16/2015 6:38:17 PM PDT by luvie (All my heroes wear camos! Thank you David, Michael, Chris, Txradioguy, JJ, CMS, & ALL Vets, too!w)
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To: LUV W

Yeah, that one got lateraled over the cubicle wall, and I grabbed it.


25 posted on 06/16/2015 6:39:16 PM PDT by Publius ("Who is John Galt?" by Billthedrill and Publius now available at Amazon.)
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To: ConorMacNessa

Aww...you are kind to me! :)


26 posted on 06/16/2015 6:39:18 PM PDT by luvie (All my heroes wear camos! Thank you David, Michael, Chris, Txradioguy, JJ, CMS, & ALL Vets, too!w)
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To: LUV W

We only got 1 ½”, today. We’re also (way) up.

Our mosquitoes look like wasps and our wasps look like hummingbirds! But, we are VERY thankful for the blessing of rain :)


27 posted on 06/16/2015 6:39:39 PM PDT by Jane Long ("And when thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek")
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To: ConorMacNessa

Tanks!


28 posted on 06/16/2015 6:40:21 PM PDT by The Mayor (Honesty means never having to look over your shoulder.)
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To: PROCON
Good evening, Army Bro - that means a lot to me coming from you, my Brother-in-Arms! And thank you very much for your service those many years ago in that far-off land. We fought with skill, grace and honor and can walk among our Fathers with pride!

HAND SALUTE RETURNED!

"I am an American fighting man. I serve in the forces which guard my country and our way of life.
I am prepared to give my life in their defense."

29 posted on 06/16/2015 6:49:11 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in Battle!)
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To: ConorMacNessa

Thank you, ConorMacNessa!

An excellent tribute to the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps.


30 posted on 06/16/2015 6:50:32 PM PDT by jazusamo (0bama to go 'full-Mussolini' after elections: Mark Levin....and the turkey has.)
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To: LUV W; Kathy in Alaska

31 posted on 06/16/2015 6:52:22 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty - Honor - Country! What else needs said?)
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To: jazusamo
Good evening, Jaz! Semper Fi, Brother! It has been many moons since we have chatted - it's great to see you again!

"I am an American fighting man. I serve in the forces which guard my country and our way of life.
I am prepared to give my life in their defense."

32 posted on 06/16/2015 6:59:01 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in Battle!)
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To: Soaring Feather

Good evening, Ms Feather...*hugs*...smoky skies today. Big fires north of us and south of us. Neither can get here.

The dog mushing community has lost homes, but not dogs so far.

Nice porch day?


33 posted on 06/16/2015 6:59:13 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska ((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
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To: ConorMacNessa; LUV W; Kathy in Alaska; mylife; NYTexan; All

*curtsy*

Good eventide, Sir Conor.
Thank you for a beautiful thread tonight!
Well done!


34 posted on 06/16/2015 7:19:24 PM PDT by MS.BEHAVIN (Women who behave rarely make history)
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To: MS.BEHAVIN


Good Eventide, Lady Ms. B.!

***BOW***

I Am Your Humble Knight!



May Our Dear Lord Protect Thee And
Lord Mr. B. This Eventide
And Hereafter!



My Knights And Men-At-Arms Are,
As Always, At Your Service!



Many Thanks To Lord Mr. B. And Thee For Your
Steadfast Service And Devotion To Our Nation!

OORAH!!!! Semper Fidelis, And Get Some!!!!


35 posted on 06/16/2015 7:30:29 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in Battle!)
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To: MS.BEHAVIN

The last episode of GOT was awesome!

But just one ?

Who were the men who found and circled the Queen of Dragons at the end?


36 posted on 06/16/2015 7:34:57 PM PDT by NYTexan (\)
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To: NYTexan

“But just one ?”

But just one what, BB?

“Who were the men who found and circled the Queen of Dragons at the end?”

*evil grin*
Wouldn’t you like ti know!
LOL


37 posted on 06/16/2015 7:48:12 PM PDT by MS.BEHAVIN (Women who behave rarely make history)
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To: MS.BEHAVIN

One question...

And yer kill’n me!!


38 posted on 06/16/2015 7:50:28 PM PDT by NYTexan (\)
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To: Kathy in Alaska; laurenmarlowe; BIGLOOK; alfa6; EsmeraldaA; SandRat; mylife; TMSuchman; PROCON; ...


A Hospital Corpsman’s Prayer





LORD, AS I EMBARK upon this path
that You, in Your infinite wisdom, have set before me,
I pray that You will guide my hand, my heart and my
mind. Keep me faithful to my oath, always aware of
the seriousness of my duties, and above all the
sacredness of life. Let me not be a glory seeker,
but rather a servant, as You the Great Physician
to whom all Glory belongs, served even us. Help me
face the trials before me, death of those I come to
love, and personal disappointments without losing
heart or faith. May I place first the welfare of
those entrusted to my care, and self last. Above
all Lord, protect me from my pride, for there is
nothing I can do through what skill I may possess
that is not in Your Will that it be done.
Amen.


39 posted on 06/16/2015 7:50:38 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in Battle!)
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To: ConorMacNessa
CORPSMEN AT PLAY:


HM/3 Glenn G. Simpson, M 3/5 & HM/3 Tom Mitchell, K 3/5 August 1969

"I am an American fighting man. I serve in the forces which guard my country and our way of life.
I am prepared to give my life in their defense."

40 posted on 06/16/2015 7:59:18 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in Battle!)
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