[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 48 (Thursday, April 27, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN HONOR OF DR. WALTER CARL GORDON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 27, 2006

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great 
doctor who has devoted his life to serving his countrymen--Dr. Walter 
Carl Gordon, Jr.
  At the age of 78, Dr. Gordon is retiring after nearly 40 years 
practicing medicine. He has served his community and his country 
throughout his entire life, all the while blazing new trails for those 
who would follow him.
  Born on October 25, 1927 in Albany, Georgia, Dr. Gordon earned his 
Bachelor of Science degree from Hampton Institute and then his Master 
of Science in chemistry from Tuskegee Institute. Before attending 
medical school, he spent several years teaching chemistry at Lincoln 
University and Albany State University. In 1955, he graduated from 
Meharry Medical College and began to serve his country on another 
level.
  The young Dr. Gordon joined the United States Army and was stationed 
at Letterman Army Hospital in San Francisco for his first internship. 
He later completed his surgical residency at Walter Reed Army Hospital 
in Washington, D.C. He became the first African-American surgeon at 
Walter Reed, the Army's most distinguished medical center.
  Dr. Gordon was sent to Vietnam where he was given command of an 
evacuation hospital. There he helped to develop a new, revolutionary 
approach to surgery which contributed to saving the lives of countless 
American servicemen. He was awarded three Army Commendation Medals and 
one Legion of Merit award for his service, and retired in 1968 as a 
Lieutenant Colonel. But Dr. Gordon's service was not over.
  In 1981 he rejoined the military to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves. 
He served beyond the call for another decade before retiring with the 
rank of Colonel.
  While still serving in the Reserves, Dr. Gordon practiced medicine in 
Albany, Georgia at the Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. He worked for 
one year as the Chief of Staff and for two terms as the chairman of the 
Hospital's board. In 2005, the Board awarded him the title of ``Board 
Member Emeritus.''
  In 2003, Dr. Gordon joined the Hospital staff as a primary care 
physician at the VA Clinic. Since then he has diligently served the 
veteran population of Southwest Georgia. He has never forgotten the men 
and women who have, like him, worn the uniform of this great nation.
  Whether serving in Washington, D.C., Vietnam or Albany, Dr. Gordon 
has performed his service with honor, courage and integrity. His 
lifetime of altruistic care-giving has made him a legend in our 
community and an inspirational figure for us all.
  Today, we thank and honor Dr. Walter Carl Gordon, Jr. for his 
dedication and lifelong commitment to the welfare of others. On the 
occasion of his retirement from the field of medicine, we wish for him 
the joyous, healthy and tranquil life that he so richly deserves. Dr. 
Gordon is a healer and a patriot and we applaud his lifetime of 
service.

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