Frank F. Ledford Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frank Finley Ledford Jr.
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| Born | April 22, 1934 Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. |
| Died | May 15, 2019 (aged 85) San Antonio, Texas, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1958–1992 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant General |
| Commands held | 7th Medical Command |
Frank Finley Ledford Jr. (born April 22, 1934 – died May 15, 2019) was an American doctor who specialized in fixing bones and joints (an orthopedic surgeon). He served as the top doctor for the United States Army from 1988 to 1992. This important role is called the Surgeon General of the United States Army.
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About Frank Ledford Jr.
Early Life and Education
Frank Ledford Jr. was born in April 1934 in Jacksonville, Florida. He went to college at the University of Dayton and earned his first degree in 1955. Later, the university gave him a special award for becoming the Army's Surgeon General.
In 1959, he earned his medical degree (M.D.) from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. After that, he trained to become an orthopedic surgeon. This means he learned how to treat problems with bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. He was officially certified as an orthopedic surgeon and was also a member of the American College of Surgeons.
Serving in the United States Army
Dr. Ledford had a long and important career in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. He taught at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, which is a medical school for the armed forces. He also taught at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.
His most important job was when he became the Surgeon General of the United States Army. He held this position from June 1988 to June 1992. At this time, he was a lieutenant general, which is a very high rank.
His time as Surgeon General was during the Gulf War (1991). This was when countries like the U.S. helped Kuwait after Iraq invaded it. Dr. Ledford had to make sure that Army medical teams were ready to help soldiers. There were worries that Iraqi forces might use dangerous chemical or biological weapons. It was also challenging to get enough medical supplies and doctors to the Persian Gulf region. Many doctors who were part of the Army Reserve had to leave their private practices to help.
Dr. Ledford was stationed at many Army bases during his career. Some of these included Fort Belvoir, Virginia; Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas; Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.; Fort Riley, Kansas; and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.
Life After the Army
After retiring from the Army, Dr. Ledford continued to work in medical research. He became the president of the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research (SFBR) in San Antonio, Texas. This foundation is a place where scientists do important medical research. He worked there for 13 years before retiring in May 2005.
Frank Ledford Jr. passed away on May 15, 2019, after a short illness.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Ledford received many special awards and decorations for his long and dedicated service in the U.S. Army. These awards show his bravery, leadership, and hard work.
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Army Distinguished Service Medal |
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Legion of Merit |
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Meritorious Service Medal |
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Army Commendation Medal with one Oak leaf cluster |
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Army Meritorious Unit Commendation |
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National Defense Service Medal |
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Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Service stars |
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Army Service Ribbon |
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Army Overseas Service Ribbon with bronze award numeral 3 |
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Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation |
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Vietnam Campaign Medal |
Other Facts
- Dr. Ledford had a daughter.
- He was a supporter of the Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children, giving a donation in 2005.
Supporting Physician Assistants
Dr. Ledford was a big supporter of Physician Assistants (PAs). PAs are healthcare professionals who work with doctors to examine, diagnose, and treat patients. He helped make it possible for Army PAs to become commissioned officers, which is a higher rank than they had before.
He also created the Lieutenant General Frank Ledford Award. This award is given every year to the most outstanding U.S. Army PA who finishes a special advanced degree and does research. Here are some of the people who have received this award:
- 2011 - MAJ Jonathan Saxe
- 2012 - MAJ Colin Dunderdale, DSc, PA-C
- 2013 - MAJ D. Alan Nelson, MPAS, PhD
- 2014 - CPT Joseph T. Costello, DSc, PA-C
- 2015 - MAJ Benjamin K. Kocher, DSc, PA-C
- 2016 - MAJ Kurt Fossum, MPAS, DSc
- 2017 - LTC Matthew Douglas, DSc, PA-C
- 2018 - MAJ James Huang, DSc, PA-C
