Other services may be more familiar with the term MEDIC but the Navy and Marine Corps call us simply as "DOC"
FYI, we are the ONLY enlisted CORPS in the Navy and we own the distinction of having the most MEDAL OF HONOR recipients in the entire Navy (most from conflicts fighting side-by-side with the Marines)
Today, we celebrate our 107th birthday.
Below is an e-mail sent last 15JUN by the highest ranking "DOC" in the entire Navy:
FORCM(SW/AW) Jackie DiRosa
BUMED, Force Master Chief
On 17 JUN 05, the Hospital Corps will celebrate their 107th birthday. The courage, heroism, valor and compassion of the men and women of the Hospital Corps (HMs and DTs) is just as evident today as it has been in the past. Since the start of OIF, we have had 8 Hospital Corpsmen killed in action..... I was notified today of our 8th. Additionally, there have been numerous combat awards presented - 1 Navy Cross, numerous Bronze Stars w/ Valor and numerous NAM/NCMs w/ Valor along w/ a high number of Purple Hearts. The majority of these awards have gone to some of our newest Sailors and Hospital Corpsmen, many w/ less than 2 years of service.
As you all know, the Hospital Corps serves proudly with every warfare community and in every environment around the globe but tends to leave it's lasting mark on history w/ service with the Marine Corps. Today is no different than yesterday.
In your travels, if you come across a Hospital Corpsman or Dental Technician, I ask you to wish them a happy 107th Hospital Corps Birthday. I'm sure they would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you.