NNP

Edgar Erskine Hume

Biography

Born in Frankfort, Kentucky. Married Mary Swigert Hendrick July 1, 1918. They had one son. Received B.A. from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, in 1908 and M.A. in 1909. Received M.D. from Johns Hopkins University in 1913.

Served as medical director of the American Relief Expedition after the 1915 earthquake in Italy. In 1916 he joined the U. S. Army Medical Relief Corps. He graduated from the Army Medical School in 1917 and enlisted in the regular army. He served at the army hospital in Italy during WW I. He was wounded twice and decorated for gallantry. He was stationed at Fort Banks, Massachusetts, 1920 to 1922 and served at the Army Medical Library 1922 to 1926. He was director of the Medical Field Service School 1936 to 1943.

Hume served on the staff of general Eisenhower during WW II and was again wounded. He was promoted to brigadier general in 1949 and was assigned with United Nations forces in Korea. He retired December 31, 1951. He claimed to be the most decorated soldier in U. S. history. He had received 23 U. S. Army decorations and medals from 43 foreign countries.

Author of George Washington and the Society of Cincinnati in 1932. Author of The Medals of the United States Army Medical Department and Medals Honoring Army Medical Officers in 1942 as ANS monograph 98.

He died in Washington, D. C.

bio: DAB; EAB (photo); WWWA-3

obit: NYT 1/25/52