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.
General Steel began his active military service in November of 1944. Having already earned his Medical Degree he was a member of the Medical Officer Training Corps. He received his Reserve commission as First Lieutenant in January of 1944. When he entered active military service, he was assigned to the Ortheopedic Service at the Oliver General Hospital in Augusta, Georgia. A few months later, in February of 1945, we was then re-assigned to the Neurosurgical Service at the McCaw General Hospital in Walla Walla, Washington.
After World War II, General Steel briefly left the military and continued his medical career as a civilian. Returning to civilian life brought him to Memorial Hospital where he was appointed chief hospital resident. However, that hiatus would only be temporary. He completed his training in internal medicine at Walter Reed and received a regular commission in the Army. However, this residency would end in 1949 when he would be transferred to the Air Force.
As you can see, this is an amazing man who is always ready to serve. After being transferred to the Air Force he would be assigned to Chanute Air Force Base in November of 1950. There at Chanute he would serve as Chief Medical Officer. Not long after that, from June 1951 to December 1953, he would serve as a consultant in internal medicine to the Far East Air Force's Surgeon. Afterwards, in 1954, he would be transferred to March Air Force Base in California where he would be Chief of Medical and Professional Services.
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. - 15438
General Steel began his active military service in November of 1944. Having already earned his Medical Degree he was a member of the Medical Officer Training Corps. He received his Reserve commission as First Lieutenant in January of 1944. When he entered active military service, he was assigned to the Ortheopedic Service at the Oliver General Hospital in Augusta, Georgia. A few months later, in February of 1945, we was then re-assigned to the Neurosurgical Service at the McCaw General Hospital in Walla Walla, Washington.
After World War II, General Steel briefly left the military and continued his medical career as a civilian. Returning to civilian life brought him to Memorial Hospital where he was appointed chief hospital resident. However, that hiatus would only be temporary. He completed his training in internal medicine at Walter Reed and received a regular commission in the Army. However, this residency would end in 1949 when he would be transferred to the Air Force.
As you can see, this is an amazing man who is always ready to serve. After being transferred to the Air Force he would be assigned to Chanute Air Force Base in November of 1950. There at Chanute he would serve as Chief Medical Officer. Not long after that, from June 1951 to December 1953, he would serve as a consultant in internal medicine to the Far East Air Force's Surgeon. Afterwards, in 1954, he would be transferred to March Air Force Base in California where he would be Chief of Medical and Professional Services.
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. - 15438
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.
