1951

The Surgery

X-rays in January show both active gastric ulcer and active duodenal ulcer. JJL enters Brooke Army Hospital at Fort Sam Houston on January 30. A gastroscopy follows on February 9. Col. Sullivan says he will probably have to remove JJL’s stomach.

On March 5:

About 80 to 90% of my stomach removed this morning by Col Shaeffer, Col. Collins, Maj. Fisher & Maj. Stroud.

Recovery is brutal. Vomiting continues nearly daily through April. X-rays show stomach obstruction. JJL is readmitted to Brooke on April 25, weighing 147 pounds. The illness that has shadowed him since the early 1930s will never fully release its grip.

Jack Wallace Graduates

On June 1:

Attended graduation exercises for Class of 1951 in Dalgren Hall US Naval Academy. Jack Wallace graduated and commissioned as Ensign USN. Gen George C. Marshall made principal address.

JJL attends the Midshipmen’s Parade, the Army-Navy lacrosse game, and the Baccalaureate Sermon at the Naval Academy Chapel in the days before graduation. On July 4, Jack leaves Kelly Field for San Francisco — headed for naval service.

Bill

Bill goes to work on a survey party for Marvin Turner in July. In December, he takes the Naval ROTC exam. In November, the family attends the SMU–A&M football game at College Station for the Class of ‘25 Silver Anniversary.