Blogfinger

LCDR Paul Goldfinger, MD. United States Navy Medical Corps. Portsmouth, Virginia. Photo by Eileen.

Portsmouth, Virginia.  1971.   Photo by Eileen.

When I was an intern  in New York, there was a doctor draft because of Viet Nam.  Most of my classmates were destined to become general medical officers after one year, but I was lucky to receive the Berry Plan.   That allowed me to finish my four year residency in internal medicine/cardiology before going on active duty. I had no connections–just luck.

On paper I was an officer in the US Navy Medical Corps (Reserves.)  I didn’t have to do anything, but each year I received a letter and sometimes a promotion.

I sent them a letter each year pleading to be transferred to another branch of the service because I get sea sick. But they denied that request.  I imagined vomiting all over my nice uniform for two years straight.  As it turned out, I never had to serve on a ship.

My assignment was a 1,400 bed Navy  teaching hospital in Virginia—I hit the jackpot.  It seems that a letter from the Chief of Cardiology at Mt. Sinai did the trick.  By the time I went on active duty, the war was winding down.  We received most  of the POW’s and wounded sailors and Marines.

I was a Lieutenant Commander, arriving in Portsmouth at age 30.  We had 2 little boys and a townhouse in Virginia Beach. I got to wear a white uniform (not yellow like the photo)  all year round. It had gold buttons and was very spiffy. People saluted me—instant respect.  The Marines even saluted my car when I drove onto the base.  And I drove to work in my new Triumph Spitfire convertible.   There was a private beach for officers and $5.00 lobster dinners in the officers club.

The uniform came with a medal on day one.  Wow–a medal!   But, it seems that everyone got a medal  (National Defense–war time.)

The Navy is the most tradition bound of the military, so I had to get a sword for dress inspections.   It came from our base in Spain.  You can see the handle in the photo.

You can imagine a bunch of doctors wearing swords.  If we ever were to draw our weapons, it would pose a danger for everyone in the vicinity.

Quite a few of my colleagues were reservists who had no interest in a military career. We served two years and then returned to civilian life.  I never had to go to “Nam.”

My sword currently resides in our bedroom in Ocean Grove.  I figure if the Barbary pirates ever returned, I would be ready.

Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger.

GROUCHO MARX :   “Dr. Hackenbush.”