| The U.S. Army Air Forces in World War II

Army Air Forces Medical Services in World War II

James S. Nanney

This history summarizes the Army Air Forces (AAF) medical achievements       that led to the creation of the Air Force Medical Service in July 1949.       When the United States entered World War II, our nation�s small aviation       force belonged to the U.S. Army and relied on the Army medical system for       support. The rapid expansion of the AAF and the medical challenges of       improved aircraft performance soon placed great strain on the       ground-oriented Army medical system. By the end of the war, the AAF had       successfully acquired its own medical system oriented to the special needs       of air warfare. This accomplishment reflected the determined leadership of       AAF medical leaders and the dedication of thousands of medical       practitioners who volunteered for aviation medical responsibilities that       were often undefined or unfamiliar to them. In the face of new challenges,       many American medics responded with hard work and intelligence that       contributed greatly to Allied air superiority. 

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Edgar R. Anderson, Jr., USAF, MC, Ret.      U.S. Air Force Surgeon General       (September 1994�November 1996) 

Contents
- Introduction
- AAF Medical Independence
- The Medical War at Home
- Recruitment and Training of Medical Personnel
- Aeromedical Evacuation
- Aeromedical Operations in North Africa and the Mediterranean
- Aeromedical Challenges in Mounting an Attack from Great Britain
- Aeromedical Challenges in the Offensive Against Japan        
- Autonomy for the Air Force Medical Service
- Suggested Reading
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