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Adapted from "Captain Charles Gartenlaub, Medical Corps, United States Navy" [biography, dated 22 March 1954] in Modern Biographical Files collection, Navy Department Library.

Topic
  • Medicine
Document Type
  • Biography
Wars & Conflicts
  • World War II 1939-1945
File Formats
Location of Archival Materials
  • NHHC-Library

Charles Gartenlaub

2 March 1903-19 September 1960

Charles Gartenlaub was born in. New York, New York, on March 2, 1903, son of the late Joseph and Eva (Birnbaum) Gartenlaub. He attended public schools in New York City, had pre-medical training at Columbia University, New York, and in 1928 received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from Long Island College Hospital Medical School. For a year thereafter he interned at Monmouth Memorial Hospital, Long Branch, New Jersey, and prior to entering the Naval service held the following appointments in New York City institutions; Associate Attending Roentgenologist to the Sydenham Hospital, Assistant Visiting Roentgenologist to the Metropolitan Hospital and Visiting Roentgenologist to the Good Samaritan Hospital and Dispensary Commissioned Lieutenant Commander in the Medical Corps of the US Naval Reserve on May 16, 1941, he subsequently progressed to the temporary rank of Captain, to date from November 10, 1945. On August 8, 1946 he transferred to the US Navy in his permanent rank, date of rank as Captain, US Navy, is March 1, 1948.

Reporting for active duty in July 1941, he was assigned as X-Ray Officer of Mobile Hospital #2, one of the first Navel Mobile units and in the fall of that year it was ordered to Hawaii. Dr. Gartenlaub was present during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor,

Territory of Hawaii, on December 7, 1941 and is entitled to the Ribbon for, and Facsimile of the Navy Unit Commendation. The citation follows:

“For extremely meritorious service in support of military operations during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Territory Of Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. Exerting every effort to rush to completion facilities for handling casualties personnel of United States Mobile Hospital Number TWO quickly prepared for any emergency after approximately twenty Japanese planes appeared over the area enroute to attack Pacific Fleet ships and shore installations. Firefighting and battle dressing stations were manned, operating teams were organized and one building immediately sand bagged and converted into a temporary operating site, and ambulances and trucks with stretchers were dispatched promptly to the Navy Yard. As the heavy stream of casualties mounted, this gallant organization worked unceasingly day and night for the relief of the hundreds of injured and, by their courage, initiative and valiant devotion to duty displayed throughout this gruelling period, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Returning to the United States in October 1943, he reported as X -Ray Officer, with further duty as Assistant to the Senior Medical Officer at the U. S. Naval Training Center, Camp Peary, Virginia. He remained there until May 1946, and the next month was assigned as X -Ray Officer at the US Naval Hospital, Long Beach, California. In July 1950 he became Chief of X-Ray Service at the US Naval Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and in March 1954 was ordered to duty at the Naval Hospital, St. Albans, Long Island, New York.

In addition to the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Captain Gertenlaub has the American Defense Service Medal; the American Campaign Medal; the Asiatic -Pacific Campaign Medal, with one engagement star; the World War II Victory Medal; and the National Defense Service Medal.

Dr. Gratenlaub is a member of the American Roentgen Ray Society; the Radiological Society of North America; the American College of Radiology; the American Medical Association; and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Radiology.

END

Published: Mon May 24 09:10:09 EDT 2021