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.
During World War I, Ireland served as chief surgeon of the American Expeditionary Forces. He departed France in October 1918 and was succeeded by his deputy, Walter McCaw. He was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal for his service during the war, with the medal's citation reading:
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.
Military awards Major General Ireland's ribbon bar:
1st RowArmy Distinguished Service MedalSpanish Campaign Medal Philippine Campaign Medal2nd RowArmy of Cuban Occupation MedalMexican Service MedalWorld War I Victory Medal with four Battle Clasps3rd RowCompanion of the Order of the Bath (United Kingdom)Commander of the Legion of Honor (France)Grand Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta (Poland)
Dates of rank + Insignia Rank Component Date Assistant Surgeon Regular Army 4 May 1891 Assistant Surgeon Regular Army 4 May 1896 Surgeon Volunteers 17 August 1899(Honorably discharged from Volunteers on 30 June 1901.) Major Regular Army 3 August 1903 Lieutenant Colonel Regular Army 1 May 1911 Colonel Regular Army 15 May 1917 Brigadier General National Army 1 May 1918 Major General Regular Army 8 August 1918 Major General Retired List 31 May 1931 Source: Army Register, 1932
References
Army bio