63 replies to this topic

[hobbstrosity]

Howdy folks, this time around we turn our spotlight on some of the most courageous individuals who have ever served in the Armed Forces.  You can read the full text here!

Edited by hobbstrosity, Jun 09 2012 - 22:25.

[Popeye668]

My granddad was a combat medic in WW2 with the Canadian Army.

[Raigir]

One of the coolest spotlights I've read to date. Sometimes its hard to imagine such basic medical tools succesfully saving such badly wound troops for long enough for proper care.

[Amonk]

Is this a clever way to introduce ambulance tanks? I want to run around the battlefield curing friendlies.

[danielduwaldt]

 Amonk, on Jun 09 2012 - 23:09, said:

Is this a clever way to introduce ambulance tanks? I want to run around the battlefield curing friendlies.

I´d rather advise battle engineer squads, too. Medics go around healing killed crew member and combat engineers wash the blood away.

[fsjd]

 Amonk, on Jun 09 2012 - 23:09, said:

Is this a clever way to introduce ambulance tanks? I want to run around the battlefield curing friendlies.

at least till someone kills you for the extra kill and to keep you from turning that maus/T95 into an arty-proof roadblock.


on-topic, really good read.

[B22G]

Great guys, those medics. Tough job, no doubt.

[scarecrowmeow]

Have read many of the History Spotlight topics, commented on a few. hobbstrosty and all others at WG admin. this History Spotlight brought tears to me eyes. Only the GODS know how many the Combat Medics saved, or could not.  BLESS the Combat Medics. Then, Now, and Those to Come. Thank You for writeing this.

[GoodGameXXX]

Nice article.  Nitpick with the article: I believe the world's first military medical corps is attributed to the Roman Empire, not Napoleon.

http://en.wikipedia....t_Rome#Imperial

[Pyrodunces]

Nice article, +1.  Do any of you guys have a clue of what type of medical supplies medics carry now-a-days?

Edited by Pyrodunces, Jun 09 2012 - 23:44.

[Chefs_in_Armor]

I know what type of training that Combat Medics go through in todays military. I was a Combat Medical Specialist from 1991 - 1999 in the Army. All I can say is that we are trained to save lives and to use our bodies to shield the wounded in the battle field.  I was attached to Infantry units during this time. I have seen things that no body should ever see. Thank you Admin for this spotlight. It has me reflecting on the times that I spent in my Tour of Duties.

[1_hit_wonder]

http://www.awm.gov.a...ans/simpson.asp
http://en.wikipedia....son_Kirkpatrick

im sure there were more great stories of bravery from all armies of the medic that didnt quit
so i thought i would share this unusal story of 1 australia's greatest
they were a strange mob that didnt seem to show fear its nice to see that not all stories from war are about killing
i hope evryone will admire these hero's more than any other as they did without a weapon

also in australia we have a medal called the victorian cross given out to commonwealth millitary ,our most recent winner recieve his by saving his mates whilst under fire in afganistan

i hope others canh share the stories of their medics from around the world
id like to read them

[AdamantVallation]

The true measure of how important a role they play, and how profound the impact of the combat medic is the immortal cry of man in field, "MEDIC!"  That simple cry can elict such a wide gamut of strong emotions, despair, fear, pain, but also the most important one of all, hope!  They bring hope to the men of the line, and that is the most important factor of all.

The statue shown in the spot light is a terrific monument, I've stood before it myself just trying to imagine what thoughts would be going on in their heads at that moment, what else is happening around them.  I for one will stand tall and render my salute to this spotlight.

[Airborne8387]

A Canadian Medic won the Victoria Cross
Cpl Fred Topham Medic with 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion

He was 27 years old, and a corporal (medical orderly) in the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, Canadian Army during the Second World War when the following deeds took place for which he was awarded the VC:

Department of National Defence, Ottawa. 3rd August, 1945.
THE CANADIAN ARMY.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the VICTORIA CROSS to: —
No. B.39039 Corporal Frederick George TOPHAM, 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion.
On 24th March, 1945, Corporal Topham, a medical orderly, parachuted with his Battalion on to a strongly defended area east of the Rhine. At about 1100 hours, whilst treating casualties sustained in the drop, a cry for help came from a wounded man in the open. Two medical orderlies from a field ambulance went out to this man in succession but both were killed as they knelt beside the casualty.
Without, hesitation and on his own initiative, Corporal Topham went forward through intense fire to replace the orderlies who had been killed before his eyes. As he worked on the wounded man, he was himself shot through the nose. In spite of severe bleeding and intense pain, he never faltered in his task. Having completed immediate first aid, he carried the wounded man steadily and slowly back through continuous fire to the shelter of a wood.
During the next two hours Corporal Topham refused all offers of medical help for his own wound. He worked most devotedly throughout this period to bring in wounded, showing complete disregard for the heavy and accurate enemy fire. It was only when all casualties had been cleared that he consented to his own wound being treated.
His immediate evacuation was ordered, but he interceded so earnestly on his own behalf that he was eventually allowed to return to duty.
On his way back to his company he came across a carrier, which had received a direct hit. Enemy mortar bombs were still dropping around, the carrier itself was burning fiercely and its own mortar ammunition was exploding. An experienced officer on the spot had warned all not to approach the carrier.
Corporal Topham, however, immediately went out alone in spite of the blasting ammunition and enemy fire, and rescued the three occupants of the carrier. He brought these men back across the open and although one died almost immediately afterwards, he arranged for the evacuation of the other two, who undoubtedly owe their lives to him.This N.C.O. showed sustained gallantry of the highest order. For six hours, most of the time in great pain, he performed a series of acts of outstanding bravery and his magnificent and selfless courage inspired all those who witnessed it.^[2]

[Creb]

If there is a US Marine in the room, no navy corpsman ever buys his own drink.

[Zlar]

Thanks you WoT for placing a spotlight on the combat medic.   As someone who was just that many years ago, A combat Medic with the 45th Med Bn, 3rd Armored Division, I salute you.

[cubs00023]

we had some of the best medics during my two deployments to iraq

[NativeWarrior]

I know of two Navy ''Doc's'' that I served with in Beirut in 83 .... and when I'm with them .... they don't need to pull out any cash for their drink's ..... cause I buy them ....

Edited by NativeWarrior, Jun 10 2012 - 01:38.

[7UpMustang]

Dammed fine men, all of them. Its a tremendus feat of humanity to put others before yourself in war.

[__DC__]

Medics are one of the bravest troops.... I could not deal with healing other soldiers  while under fire and foresay they got shot in the upper torso and they are bleeding...