Quick Facts
Biography
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.
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
- Ireland's papers are held at the National Library of Medicine.
- Ireland Army Community Hospital, located at Fort Knox, Kentucky, was built in 1957 and named in his honor.
- "Merritte Weber Ireland Papers 1911-1952". National Library of Medicine.
- "History of Ireland Army Community Hospital". Ireland Army Community Hospital. United States Army. Retrieved 14 June 2014.
Decorations
Major General Ireland´s ribbon bar:
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| 1st Row | Army Distinguished Service Medal | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Row | Spanish Campaign Medal | Philippine Campaign Medal | Army of Cuban Occupation Medal | Mexican Service Medal | ||||||||
| 3rd Row | World War I Victory Medal with four Battle Clasps | Companion of the Order of the Bath (United Kingdom) | Commander of the Legion of Honor (France) | Grand Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta (Poland) | ||||||||