Years of service 1891-1931 | Name Merritte Ireland Rank Major General | |
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Born May 31, 1867
Columbia City, Indiana ( 1867-05-31 ) Commands held Surgeon General of the US Army Battles/wars Spanish American War
Philippine–American War
Pancho Villa Expedition
World War I Died July 5, 1952, Washington, D.C., United States Awards Distinguished Service Medal Battles and wars Spanish–American War, Philippine–American War, Pancho Villa Expedition, World War I | ||
Allegiance United States of America Service/branch United States Army | ||
Merritte Weber Ireland (May 31, 1867 – July 5, 1952) was the 23rd U.S. Army Surgeon General, serving in that capacity from October 4, 1918 to May 31, 1931.
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Early life and education
Ireland was born on May 31, 1867 in Columbia City, Indiana, a town in the upper end of the Wabash Valley in Whitley County, Indiana. His father, Dr. Martin Ireland, was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, and his mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Fellers, came from Waynesboro, Virginia.
He graduated from the Detroit College of Medicine, receiving an M.D. degree in 1890. The following year was spent in Jefferson Medical College where again he earned an M.D. degree in 1891.
Military career
He served as a surgeon with the 45th U.S. Volunteer Infantry in 1899 and honorably discharged in 1901.
In 1903, he was commissioned as a surgeon into the Medical Corps.
He served as Surgeon General from October 4, 1918 to May 31, 1931.
Death and legacy
Ireland died on July 5, 1952.
Legacy
Decorations
Major General Ireland´s ribbon bar: