| “Original caption: “Buna, New Guinea. A wounded man behind the lines on the Buna front being given a blood transfusion. Lieutenant J.J. Gotow, of Flint, Michigan, is assisting Captain W.F. Edwards, of New Albany, Indiana. The plasma was carried to the front-line hospital by Papuan native bearers.” United States Army Captain William F. Edwards (January 4, 1902 – November 17, 1977) and 1st Lieutenant Julius J. Gutow (January 28, 1912 – April 25, 2004) were doctors attached to the 2nd Field Hospital supporting the 32nd Infantry Division “Red Arrows” during the Buna, New Guinea Campaign. On December 7, 1942, Gutow and Edwards were operating when the Japanese strafed the hospital, which was based at Simemi, New Guinea, at the time. They were operating on the wounded when Japanese planes attacked. Gutow’s Silver Star citation stated he was “entirely oblivious to his personal safety” as he treated the sick and wounded. Edwards, operating on an Australian soldier, was removing shrapnel when the Japanese attacked. After the roar of the planes had died away, the Aussie told Edwards: “Guess you’d better fix this one up now, Doc.” A machine gun bullet had smashed into the soldier’s shoulder as he lay on the operating table. Edwards’ Silver Star citation stated that his “gallant actions and dedicated devotion to his fellow man, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.” Both men received the Silver Star for their actions at Simemi. Gutow served in the Philippines. Both men returned to practice medicine at home in the United States. This photograph was distributed nationally in American newspapers on January 23, 1943. | |
| Image Filename | wwii2254.jpg |
| Image Size | 514.63 KB |
| Image Dimensions | 2008 x 2119 |
| Photographer | |
| Photographer Title | American Red Cross |
| Caption Author | Written or Adapted by Jason McDonald |
| Date Photographed | January 1, 1943 |
| Location | |
| City | Buna |
| State or Province | Oro |
| Country | New Guinea |
| Archive | Library of Congress |
| Record Number | LC-USW33-042480 |
| Status | Caption ©2026 MFA Productions LLC Please Do Not Duplicate or Distribute Without Permission; Image in the Public Domain |
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