Dedicated to Dr. Andrew Lovy, Battalion Surgeon 3/506th PIR. He is the greatest leader I have ever served under, in my entire lifetime.
Infantry units are assigned battalion surgeons. I first briefly met Dr. Lovy in the 2/501st. He introduced himself to the medical platoon and then carried on duties that did not typically involve line medics. However, I would soon see him in under very unexpected circumstances.
It was a particularly cold morning, as we packed into the back end of the field ambulance. We were assigned as medical coverage for the morning airborne drop. My mind relaxed as the rest piled in. The more the merrier on a cold day. The body heat and hot air from the chatter eased up the frostbite.
This morning brought on more than the typical grumble. What I heard was a stir of mutiny! The Sarge assigned a new guy to drive the jeep. Us old hands had to walk! Since I was low man on the totem pole…I always walked anyways. So, the conspiracy developed. If he is going to drive…then he best know how to get to the drop zone!
This is the point where two facts must be clearly stated. First, I do not know the statue of limitations on issues derived on this account. Secondly, I am well known to forget key facts, with regards to legal testimony, especially after 45 years. If these two facts do not hold water, I was looking for three hots and a cot when I joined the army. I am sure they could take good care of me in my old age.
Our new driver took us past the post exchange, the hospital, the residential area, the library and a few more scenic spots. Occasionally, one of our finest would offer right or left-handed advice to provide cursory assistance. The sun was coming up in its full glory, when the general consensus was to strive toward more accurate guesses. Quickly, we began the trek toward the general direction of the drop zone.
Within a quarter of mile, two pristine C-141 jets flew by, filled with paratroopers. We hoped against hope, that they would circle round for one more pass. We approached the edge of the field. The jump had been cancelled…due to lack of ground medical coverage. Oh man! We didn’t know, the division commander was first man in the door!
It was a somber ride back to the barracks. The ad hoc committee, in the rear of the field ambulance, held an emergency meeting. Did anyone in this jeep know how to get to the most prominent drop zone on the base? There could only be one answer. May God have mercy on our souls.
Arriving at the barracks, we all engaged in the busiest activity we could find. The medical sergeant sought us out and dutifully asked, “did anybody know?” Lame ignorance abounded. Not much was said thereafter. It appeared that this might blow over; appearance has fooled many a man.
My second look at Dr. Lovy was in a stairwell of the barracks. He came to specifically address members of the ad hoc committee. It was during that meeting that I saw Dr. Andrew Lovy, the man.
With the natural authority of a born leader, he insisted that we keep dead silent until he left our presence. Dr. Lovy is a principled man, who abhors anything less than truth. He knew we had lied by omission or commission. One more lie would not be tolerated! You could hear a pin drop, but for the pounding hearts within our chests.
Dr. Lovy had spent the last two days visiting command offices, from lowest to highest on the base. The problem with military leadership, is that it is your fault, if anyone fails within your command. Dr. Lovy had taken it on the chin for us…this time.
It is possible, as my memory is getting vague, that we were threatened with immortality, if Dr. Lovy was ever put in that spot again. Of serious note, I had just let down an incredibly fair officer. I had no idea how a goof off decision could affect such a man. I am not saying I was perfect thereafter, but I would push against any sign of groupthink, going the wrong direction.
Months later, I was the only medic from the 2/501st re-assigned to the new 3/506th. I asked, “who is the battalion surgeon?” The answer came back, “Dr. Lovy.” I can still remember when Dr. Lovy took me aside. He quietly said, “Thompson, we are going to war together. I know you are a good medic. You have a clean slate. Make me proud.”
Who else would you want to go to war with? Who else would you follow…at a moments notice…any time…any where?
Currahee Dr. Lovy!
The first thing Lovey told me as a platoon leader was that if I asked, he would ride the Dust Off chopper to be able to treat my wounded on the return flight, no questions asked, no blow back ever. While I never asked him to do it, I never had any doubt that if I had, he would have been on that chopper with an aid bag. Great man.
LikeLike