In July 1953, U.S. and North Korean military officials signed an armistice at Panmunjom ending hostilities-but without a permanent peace on the Korean peninsula. Demobilization of the armed forces began almost immediately, following much the same pattern shortly after World War II. This military decrease was across the board and keenly felt by the Navy Medical Department. The authorized ratio of medical officers to active duty troop strength was cut in half. Between 1953 And 1954, the Navy lost more than 1,000 physicians-an astonishing 25 percent reduction. For the fleet, reductions meant...

In July 1953, U.S. and North Korean military officials signed an armistice at Panmunjom ending hostilities-but without a permanent peace on the Korean peninsula. Demobilization of the armed forces began almost immediately, following much the same pattern shortly after World War II. This military decrease was across the board and keenly felt by the Navy Medical Department. The authorized ratio of medical officers to active duty troop strength was cut in half. Between 1953 And 1954, the Navy lost more than 1,000 physicians-an astonishing 25 percent reduction. For the fleet, reductions meant...