Preface
The objectives of this volume of the preventive medicine series of the history of the Medical Department are identical with those of volume IV of the series, Communicable Diseases Transmitted Chiefly Through Respiratory and Alimentary Tracts; namely, to present historically the importance of communicable diseases as a hazard in the operations of the U.S. Army during World War II and to characterize definitively military problems of these diseases as distinct from those encountered in civil life. Such a historical record is significant not only as a careful and critical analysis of past events but also as a unique resource in formulating judgments and decisions for the future. There is a tendency in times of great stress to neglect the experiences of the past and so to make errors of policy that might be avoided. It is hoped that this volume, through its lucid analysis of the problems of communicable diseases transmitted through contact or unknown portals of entry in the U.S. Army in World War II, will permit a more intelligent approach to such dangers as they may be encountered in the future.
The chronological scope of this history covers events in World War II up to 1 January 1946. Inasmuch as all of the chapters have been written at varying times since then, the presentation takes account of advances in knowledge made after that date. Each author has prepared his chapter from the point of view of contemporary understanding of his subject at the time of writing.
Grateful thanks are expressed to the authors for their generous response to the invitations of The Surgeon General to prepare chapters in this volume. Their willingness to accept this task makes it possible to present a historical document which reflects experience and distinction in their special fields. As in the case of previously published volumes of this series, it is appropriate to recognize the overall planning and supervision of the Advisory Editorial Board, under the chairmanship of Dr. Stanhope Bayne-Jones. Especial thanks are due to Dr. Bayne-Jones who has reviewed the entire volume and has made available his wide personal knowledge and sound judgment. The members of the board as a group and individually have given liberally of their time in criticizing manuscripts and offering suggestions in many matters of detail.
The authors and editors of this volume appreciate the help derived from all of those who have acted as critical reviewers of the individual chapters-Dr. Donald L. Augustine, Dr. Stanhope Bayne-Jones, Dr. Ernest Carroll Faust, Dr. Quentin M. Geiman, Dr. John E. Gordon, Dr. Frederick A. Johansen, the late Brig. Gen. Raymond A. Kelser, Dr. Anthony J. Lanza, Col. Arthur P. Long, Dr. T. F. McNair Scott, Dr. John R. Paul, Dr. Donald M. Pillsbury, the late Dr. Elliott S. Robinson, the late Brig. Gen. James S.
Simmons, Dr. Wesley Spink,Dr. Thomas B. Turner, Dr. Willard H. Wright, and Col. Robert H. Yager.
The editors are grateful tothe President, Chancellor, Comptroller, and staff of the Medical College ofVirginia for their continuing cooperation in the work of the Editorial Office atthe MedicalCollege under contract with the Office of the SurgeonGeneral. Acknowledgment is made to Miss Margaret McCluer, Librarian of theTomkins-McCaw Library of the Medical College, and her staff for their material help andfriendly interest in the project.
The authors and editors haveagain relied greatly upon the services of the Medical Statistics Division of theOffice of the Surgeon General. Mr. E. L. Hamilton, Chief, Mr. A. J. McDowell,Assistant Chief, and Mr. M. C. Rossoff, Assistant Chief, Statistical AnalysisBranch, have not only provided essential data but have also checked and reviewedall statistical information in this volume. Their contribution has been asubstantial one. The Scientific Illustration Division, Medical IllustrationService, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, under the direction of Mr. HermanVan Cott, prepared the illustrations for this volume.
Cordial thanks are extendedby the editor of the preventive medicine series to Col. John Boyd Coates, Jr.,MC, who has energetically expedited the publication of these volumes and hasstriven successfully to produce books of high quality in content as well as inappearance. Grateful appreciation is likewise expressed for the professionalskill and experience which has been brought to the production of the volume byMrs. Willa B. Dial, formerly Chief of the Editorial Branch of The HistoricalUnit, in the arduous task of final preparation and publication.
The editors gratefullyacknowledge the assistance of Miss C. Louise Brady, publications editor of theEditorial Branch, The Historical Unit, who performed the final publicationsediting and prepared the index for this volume.
EBBE CURTIS HOFF, Ph. D., M.D.
