Henry Patrick Birmingham

Henry Patrick Birmingham (March 15, 1854 – May 4, 1932) was a surgeon and an American brigadier general active during World War I.

Early life

Birmingham was born in Brooklyn, New York. He received his medical degree from the University of Michigan in 1876, and on February 18, 1881 he entered the army as an assistant surgeon of the Medical Corps.

Career

Birmingham's first tours of duty were with the Fourth Cavalry in actions against the Apaches in the southwest. He was promoted to assistant surgeon on February 18, 1886.

During the Spanish–American War, he served in Puerto Rico and then in the Philippines. On June 4, 1898, he was promoted to major, brigade surgeon of volunteers, and on April 23, 1908 he was promoted to lieutenant colonel, Medical Corps.

In 1914, he was the chief surgeon of the Vera Cruz Expedition under General Frederick Funston. On October 2, 1917, Birmingham was promoted to brigadier general and the same year he received an honorary master's degree from the University of Michigan. During World War I, Birmingham was in charge of the ambulance service of the army and the gas defense service of the medical department. In 1918, he retired as a colonel, then went right back to active duty. In 1930, he retired by operation of law as a brigadier general.

Death and legacy

Birmingham died at age 78 on May 4, 1932. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. A World War 2 VA Hospital named after him in Van Nuys, California, the Birmingham General Hospital. The Hospital was open from August 24, 1943 to March 31, 1946 and serviced troop returning home.