The native populations of the South Pacific  most often supported the allied forces and maintained good relationships.  Henry said they waved at Japanese planes, however were supportive of the United Allied Forces.  While in the New Hebrides, Henry’s group received word that a native boy was critically ill, and assistance was requested.   The tribe lived in the upland interior of the island.  The doctors packed up basic equipment consisting of nothing more that a microscope, stethoscope, otoscope, medicines and the like.  With the help of a native guide, they proceeded through the bush and jungle into the uplands and they reached a village of thatched root huts inhabited by a native community.   The evacuation hospital doctors were received kindly.  Knowing and documenting the cultural history of the Island, my father added to the story with a playful grin; “it didn’t seem that the natives were interested in our hat sizes”.   The chief’s son was critically ill and a workup revealed a meningococcal meningitis which was treated with Penicillin.  The boy was cured.  See Photos of the community in the HEH 25th Photo Album. 

My father was extremely interested in the array of tropical illnesses of the soldiers, and also was observant of clinical presentations and conditions of more sustained infections within the native population. His photographs tell the stories he saw, including those of the upland tribal members and families.  Upon return to the states, his new career specialty had become Internal Medicine, and he was renowned for dealing with tropical disorders.  Several of these photos in his album later became center in his teaching and lectures to medical students and staff doctors about tropical disorders. 

He received the “Teacher of the Year” award for four years, chosen by the U of Iowa College of Medicine students.   The microscopic blood exams for detection of disease during 3 years in the tropics probably contributed to his migration to the subspecialty of Hematology as that career field developed in the 1950-60’s.  

By Raymond M Hamilton 2026