Combat Psychiatry: Experiences in the North African and Mediterranean Theaters of Operation, American Ground Forces, World War II

Experience in two world wars has made it abundantly clear that psychiatric disabilities constitute a major problem in a modern army. These problems become intensified during times of emergency and in combat. Psychiatric disabilities lead to huge losses in effective manpower, but even more important than this is the fact that the rate of psychiatric disorders in any specific unit reflects the state of morale and efficiency of that unit. It is, therefore, of the utmost concern not only to the medical officer, but to the line officer as well, that every effort be made to prevent the occurrence of these disabilities. Of prime importance in prevention is a thorough understanding of the causes, symptoms, and methods of treatment of combat casualties. This excellent symposium, prepared by Colonel Hanson and his associates, based on the experiences obtained arid the methods used in the North African and Mediterranean Theaters of Operation, is herewith presented for study and reference by all Medical Department officers. R. W. Bliss Major General The Surgeon General