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.”
COOL