The Histories of the Commissions - Contents

The Armed Forces Epidemiological Board (AFEB) was conceived over 50 years ago as a medical and scientific advisory board to the Department of the Army. After World War II, on advice of The Surgeon General of the Department of the Army, the Secretary of the Army recommended that the AFEB be established as a tri service board. The new charter was formally adopted on 8 October 1953, with the Board serving as a joint agency for the three military departments. Throughout its history, the Board has responded to the needs of the services with dedication, wisdom, and sound advice.

From its inception in 1940 through 1972, the Board developed and used commissions to study specific military medical problems. Commission investigators engaged in basic and field investigations of problems relating to epidemiology and preventive medicine within the military medical community.

Called on during times of war and pace, the Commissions responded willingly to the medical needs of men and women in uniform. Commission accomplishments combined with intramural research benefited the general public health as well as the military and included the development of influenza vaccine and the treatment and prevention of pneumonia, hepatitis, meningococcal meningitis, rheumatic fever, tetanus, and diphtheria.

On behalf of the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who have served over the years to preserve our democracy, we express our gratitude to the unselfish and dedicated members of the Armed Forces Epidemiological Board and its former Commissions.

Lieutenant General Alcide M. LaNoue
The Surgeon General of the U.S. Army

Vice Admiral D. F. Hagen
The Surgeon General of the U.S. Navy

Lieutenant General Edgar R. Anderson, Jr.
The Surgeon General of the U.S. Air Force

September 1994
Washington, DC