The Medical War at Home

Medical support for American fliers abroad depended on several aeromedical functions in the United States. The medical service was responsible for selecting those young volunteers who were most qualified physically and mentally to fly combat aircraft. Newly recruited AAF doctors, nurses, and medical technicians needed training in military and aviation medicine. Researchers had to use the nation’s most advanced laboratories to solve new aeromedical problems. And seriously ill or injured airmen had to receive specialized treatment, rehabilitation, and convalescent care. The medical service at home went to work on all of these tasks. Advances in aeromedical research and development ranged from basic research on the physiology of flight to the design of flight instrumentation and aircrew support systems. Improved oxygen equipment and pressurized cabins for bombers received high priority. The first successful G-suits were produced, safer bailout methods were explored, and a night vision training program was started.

Aeromedical research was truly a national program. Advances like the G-suit were developed with the assistance of researchers in Allied countries, civilian contract researchers, and specialists of the U.S. Navy. The Naval Medical Research Institute supplemented the AAF work done by the School of Aviation Medicine and the Aeromedical Research Laboratory at Wright Field. In several areas, however, the AAF led the other services. In the field of patient convalescence, for example, the AAF inaugurated treatment that stressed early patient involvement in work-related training programs. AAF patients returned to duty much faster than patients who were less active when recuperating.