Continued S E C R E T
(Medical History, Continued)
All evacuations of casualties was accomplished through the 54th Evac Hospital. On the 18th of June ‘44, the unit began making out its own medical records; However, all patients continued to come through the 54th Evac Hospital. The types of diseases treated, in the order of their prevalence, were; Dengue fever, Malaria, Diarrhea, Dysentery (type undetermined), skin infections, especially impetigo Builosa, exhaustion from over-exertion, gastroenteritis, otis media (traumatic), psychoneu- rosis (anxiety type, 2 men), nasepheryngitis, and minor orthopedic disturbance. Some dental cases were treated. A few men were treated in the dis- pensary. The minor surgical procedures consisted of incision, drainage and the removal of shrapnel fragments, the majority of which were caused by hand grenades. There were no fatalities. Scrub Typhus was diagnosed clinically in two cases, both of which recovered. Total number of psycho- neurosis treated: two. The Pltn. was bivouacked in a coconut grove, which was clean and almost devoid of mosquitoes. The men were quartered in pyramidal tents, six men to a tent. Rations consisted of B and C, and fresh meat once a week. Food was well-prepared, sufficient in quantity, and the state of nutrition of the command was good. There was a mild outbreak of diarrhea among the command, which was controlled by cutting down the number of flies and stricter observance of washing of mess gear. Atabrine was taken by roster, the plan being 5 tablets twice a week. The morale of the command was good. Mail was received regularly. Recre- ational facilities including a radio, and movies were available. One enlisted man was killed in action on the 30th of May ‘44 as a result of a Japanese night raid near the hospital area. ( Note - The soldier who was killed was Herman’s friend, William Horowitz. ) There were no important changes in personnel. On the 26th June ‘44, our unit was cleared of all patients, said patients being transferred to the 54th Evac Hosp, and our unit was assigned another mission as part of the Cyclone Task Force. On the 27th June ‘44, the unit boarded LST 457, and on the 30th June ‘44, was en-route for Noemfoor Island. Strength of the unit was 7 officers and 53 enlisted men, another enlisted man being evacuated at Toem due to an unclassified psychosis. Medical supplies were complete and in fair condition. Morale was good. 2. No pictures or maps are available at this time to enclose with this report.
Unknown soldier with Major Elvin Shelton and a monkey on his back.
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