Merritte W. Ireland

Merritte Weber Ireland (May 31, 1867 – July 5, 1952) was the 23rd U.S. Army Surgeon General, serving in that capacity from October 4, 1918, to May 31, 1931.

Early life and education Ireland was born on May 31, 1867, in Columbia City, Indiana, a town in the upper end of the Wabash Valley in Whitley County, Indiana. His father, Dr. Martin Ireland, was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, and his mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Fellers, came from Waynesboro, Virginia.

He graduated from the Detroit College of Medicine, receiving an M.D. degree in 1890. He departed France in October 1918 and was succeeded by his deputy, Walter McCaw.

He served as Surgeon General from October 4, 1918, to May 31, 1931. Ireland Army Community Hospital, located at Fort Knox, Kentucky, was built in 1957 and named in his honor.

Military awards Major General Ireland's ribbon bar:

Dates of rank

Source: Army Register, 1932