Surgeon in Blue: Jonathan Letterman, the Civil War Doctor Who Pioneered Battlefield Care

Surgeon in Blue is a meticulously researched, totally fascinating narrative of Dr. Jonathan Letterman s pioneering of modern battlefield medicine in the midst of the nightmare carnage of the Civil War. Scott McGaugh s extraordinary work of military history documents a life-saving legacy that still echoes through Iraq and Afghanistan. –Richard Setlowe, author of The Experiment and The Haunting of Suzanna Blackwell

McGaugh provides military history buffs, particularly those interested in military medicine, with a well-rounded picture of a man who greatly influenced our delivery of medical care for wounded warriors. –Library Journal

McGaugh provides telling details within a concise narrative to give Letterman’s personal story the context necessary for appreciating his influence . . . By following Letterman from one bloody battle to another, McGaugh’s well-researched book adds a sobering tone to the 150th anniversary of a conflict that advanced medical care at a terrible cost. –Associated Press

A nicely crafted biography that also offers Civil War buffs an unusual ambulance-wagon view of the great conflict. –Kirkus Reviews

As medical director of the Army of the Potomac during the American Civil War, Jonathan Letterman made important innovations in the battlefield evacuation and treatment of wounded men that changed the history of military medicine. With sensitivity and insight, Scott McGaugh presents the story of this fascinating figure and his legacy, which has saved uncounted thousands of lives of soldiers wounded in many wars. –James M. McPherson, author of Battle Cry of Freedom

There was not a day during WWII that I did not thank God for Jonathan Letterman. He was truly a surgeon for the soldiers. –Major General Paul R. Hawley, Chief Surgeon, European Theater of Operations