Bernhard T. Mittemeyer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bernhard T. Mittemeyer
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| Born | October 30, 1930 Paramaribo, Surinam (The Netherlands) |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1957–1985 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant general |
| Commands held | Surgeon General of the United States Army 326th Medical Battalion (Airmobile), 101st Airborne Division |
| Battles/wars | Cold War Vietnam War |
| Awards | Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf Cluster) Distinguished Flying Cross Bronze Star with V Device (with Oak Leaf Cluster) Meritorious Service Medal Air Medal Army Commendation Medal National Defense Service Medal Combat Medical Badge Senior Parachutist Badge Vietnam Service Medal with Three Campaign Stars Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star (Vietnamese) Civil Actions Honor Medal, First Class (Vietnamese) Medical Meritorious Award, First Class (Vietnamese) Armed Forces Honor Medal, First Class (Vietnamese) Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal |
| Other work | Chief of urological surgery at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center |
Bernhard Theodore Mittemeyer was born on October 30, 1930. He is a retired lieutenant general from the United States Army. From 1981 to 1985, he was the Surgeon General of the United States Army. This means he was the top doctor for the entire U.S. Army!
Contents
Early Life and Army Career
Bernhard Mittemeyer moved to the United States when he was 14 years old. This happened during World War II. He went to Moravian College and then to medical school at Temple University School of Medicine.
After finishing medical school, he joined the Army in 1957. He chose to join the airborne forces. This was because the 101st Airborne Division and 82nd Airborne Division had helped free his home country, the Netherlands, during the war. He was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division.
Becoming a U.S. Citizen
After six months, Mittemeyer became the main doctor for General Westmoreland. General Westmoreland was a very important leader in the Army. Mittemeyer wanted to leave the Army because he was not a U.S. citizen. General Westmoreland helped him become a citizen. This allowed Mittemeyer to stay in the regular Army.
Service in Vietnam
In 1968, Mittemeyer went to Vietnam. He was in charge of the 326th Medical Battalion (Airmobile). This unit helped soldiers who were hurt. He led this group from July 1968 to February 1969.
Leading the Army's Health
Later, Mittemeyer became the Surgeon General of the United States Army. He was in charge of all health matters for the Army. During this time, he started the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). This test includes push-ups, sit-ups, and a two-mile run. It helps make sure soldiers are fit and healthy. This test is now used for all military employees in the Washington D.C. area.
Life After the Army
Bernhard Mittemeyer retired from the Army on February 28, 1985. After his military career, he became the chief of urological surgery. He works at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
Awards and Honors
General Mittemeyer received many awards for his service. These awards show his bravery and dedication.
- Legion of Merit with one bronze oak leaf cluster
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Bronze Star with "V" device and oak leaf cluster
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Air Medal
- Army Commendation Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Combat Medical Badge
- Senior Parachutist Badge
- Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze service stars
- Vietnam Gallantry Cross with bronze star
- Armed Forces Honor Medal, First Class (Vietnamese)
- Civil Actions Medal, First Class (Vietnamese)
- Vietnam Campaign Medal
Images for kids
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Combat Medical Badge
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Senior Parachutist Badge
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101st Airborne Division Combat Service Identification Badge
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Vietnam Master Parachutist Badge
