Thursday, October 6, 2011

Dr. William Wood, Chief of BUMED/First Navy Surgeon General (1869-1871)

William Maxwell Wood (1809-1880) was commissioned an assistant surgeon in the Navy in 1829. After a colorful and varied service, Dr. Wood served as Fleet Surgeon for a blockading squadron during the Civil War. President Grant appointed him Chief BUMED in 1869. During Wood's administration, the Naval Appropriations Act of 3 March 1871 was passed grouping medical officers in a separate and distinct staff corps with grades established by law. This act also prescribed the title of Surgeon General, which Dr. Wood assumed, along with the rank of commodore.

No comments:

Post a Comment