Raymond W. Whittier papers

Raymond W. Whittier matriculated through the University of Minnesota Medical School where he specialized in ophthalmology and otolaryngology. He was also a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons. He had served in World War I and over the years was sent to a variety of military installations around the United States, as well as the Panama Canal Zone, Zamboanga, and Corregidor. Whittier was transferred to Fort Bragg in North Carolina, from Camp Grant, Illinois in April of 1942. After he assumed command of the 38th Evac, the new medical staff soon learned that Col. Whittier was regular army, meaning that he considered himself to be an army officer first and a doctor second. The 38th was sent to Fort Bragg on April 15, 1942 for basic training and standard military instruction. From Fort Bragg, the unit was sent to England and later to Tunisia in North Africa, and then to Italy. Whittier was in command of the 38th Evac for about a year. He retired in early 1943 (while the 38th was stationed in North Africa) for health reasons. After his retirement, he returned to Little Rock, Arkansas where he set up his own private medical practice. He died on March 1, 1946.

In 1940, Gen. George Marshall approved formation of the U.S. Army 38th Evacuation Hospital at the request of Charlotte doctors and nurses who desired to form a medical unit. Activated in March 1942, the Unit received military training at Fort Bragg. The Unit then went to England (August October, 1942); North Africa (November, 1942 September, 1943); and Italy (through July, 1945). The 38th Evac supported front line aid stations and mobile surgical units, treated disease, and transferred patients to general hospitals. Deactivation occurred following the Unit's tour of duty in Italy. Features in Time and Life and wire service stories by Richard Tregaskis made the 38th Evac one of the best known units during the war. [Tregaskis underwent brain surgery in the Hospital in Italy.] A detailed history is found in 38th Evac, a copy of which is located in the UNCC Special Collections, Dalton Reading Room.